Starting to squat

[Icemaiden]

Four of my nearly new pullets are now growing wattles & their combs are less tiny. The Speckledy hybrid (Sweep) surprised herself this morning by squatting when I reached out a hand to stroke her. I could almost see a thought bubble above her along the lines of "what the heck just happened to me???" !!!

If it were February, I'd be hoping for a first egg in the next couple of weeks. But it seems unlikely in November? What does everyone else think?

 

[bigyetiman]

I have had hybrids come into lay in November, I guess they don't all conform to the rule book

 

[Icemaiden]

I guess that their objection to their new Grandpa's feeder has put paid to any hope of their coming into lay, more's the pity. They've been on hunger strike this week & I suspect that they're eating more bedding than layers' pellets...

 

[jnalderwood]

It's true that the shorter days in November can delay laying, some pullets might still surprise you, especially if they're hybrids known for being good layers. You could try adding a little supplemental light in the coop to extend their "daylight hours," which might encourage laying.

 

[Icemaiden]

It's true that the shorter days in November can delay laying, some pullets might still surprise you, especially if they're hybrids known for being good layers. You could try adding a little supplemental light in the coop to extend their "daylight hours," which might encourage laying.

Hi JNAlderwood, & welcome to the forum.

Out of interest, can I put lights into the coop when the girls' feeder & drinker are left outside? I guess I could get some battery powered rechargeable lights to stick in their coop? (It's a Green Frog chicken lodge.)

How many extra hours of light do you think they'd need in order for it to make a difference?

 

[jnalderwood]

Yes, adding lights to your coop can be helpful, especially during shorter days, to encourage your chickens to keep laying eggs. Battery-powered rechargeable lights are a great option for a setup like your Green Frog chicken lodge.

For it to make a noticeable difference, aim to provide around 14-16 hours of total light each day, combining natural daylight and artificial light. Chickens respond best to gradual light changes, so if possible, use a light with a timer to simulate dawn and dusk rather than turning it abruptly on or off.

Just ensure the light is not too bright

Hi JNAlderwood, & welcome to the forum.

Out of interest, can I put lights into the coop when the girls' feeder & drinker are left outside? I guess I could get some battery powered rechargeable lights to stick in their coop? (It's a Green Frog chicken lodge.)

How many extra hours of light do you think they'd need in order for it to make a difference?