We are really starting to get there! I am sure Joe will update at some point to show some more pictures.
We have had our second egg from Doris - double yolker too (apparently very common in young hens who have started laying) and very tasty. I have been going in regularly and sitting with them, plus taking different foods in for them to try. Yesterday was fresh corn on the cob - that is a particular favourite!
So far we have tried them on the following:
Mixed Corn (obvious favourite)
Fresh peas (very keen)
Cauliflower (not touched)
Broccoli (again, not fans)
Fresh Corn (very keen)
Strawberries (again, very keen)
Home grown tomatoes (also like)
Meal worms (like crack to chickens)
Small locusts (a little unsure but they all went!)
Fresh Corn on the Cob (LOVE this)
Freshly cut grass (again, goes very quickly)
They are also getting more confident as wanting to explore a bit more, so after they were cleaned out yesterday (thank you Joe) I sat with them in the garden as it was nice and sunny. They are loving the grass and plants, especially my herb garden! They spent a good 45minutes in the sun. It was nice and relaxing and I think the girls enjoyed it. Didn't take too long to go back in when I had to get back to work.
I have also noticed that 3 of the hens have started "scooting" for me. By all accounts it is when the hens recognise you as their 'rooster' and basically sit to be mounted. Its a good sign and we were told it would take 4-6 weeks. I have also spoken to the people we got them from who have said this also indicates they are getting ready to lay. As Doris was the first to scoot for me, this sounds about right. So far Doris, Mabel and Myrtle are scooting for me. Bessy (who was chased by Piper) is still very nervous so I think it will be a while for her.
Heard one hell of a noise this morning coming from the coop. Myrtle has been going in and out a lot - checked later and we have a brown egg! It may be Myrtle but as Mabel has also been going in, could have been her. Waiting to see if Doris lays again today and then going to take the eggs to my sister to try - she is more of an egg fan!
Joe will probably update later today. He is going to go in with meal worms later to get them more used to him. I think I may look up other options of live food for them.
Joe's update: Emma took a pic of the Myrtle / Mabel egg but wasn't able to put it up so here it is:
Joe's update: Emma took a pic of the Myrtle / Mabel egg but wasn't able to put it up so here it is:
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| Doris's on left and Myrtle/Mabel on right |
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