Post by gardendaddy on Dec 19, 2010 17:14:24 GMT -6
WOW...I must have chosen wisely when assembling my little flock during last spring when getting my little chicks. Yesterday, Saturday, 12/18/10, I got 13-eggs out of 17 pullets and today I got 11-eggs out of the same. I have been averaging lately around 7 to 10 eggs and I feel lucky to be getting such an average in these cold days. It has been a bit warmer today and yesterday but still on the cooler side, in the 40's.
I know I had done a lot of research during the early days last spring in February and March and knew what I wanted and expected from my birds. I got good brown egg layers that were also good winter layers. The Wyandottes, the Austraulorps, the one Sussex, etc. are all good winter layers and have proved themselves so. Also, the Ameraucanas are very good cool weather layers. I have 3 of them and almost get 3-eggs a day from them. Speaking of which, I got the largest egg in the history of their being here today from one of the green laying Ameraucanas...it was HUGE! It might even be a triple yolker. I have only seen one triple in my whole life and that was years ago growing up in Alabama back in the 60's. I mean it was/is gigantic. It is so large it looks fake almost if I had not gathered it myself today.
I do not know what I have done but will keep on doing it. I am still feeding my regular layer crumbles along with scratch every day but I supplement during these winter months so far with no fresh green grass or other garden rejects available with lettuce, pears, apples, stale bread, unused dry cereal, etc. from my pantry and fridge. I always try to give some kind of something "green & fresh" at least every other day. Other than that they have never been on medications or steroids or other things I have not monitored in advance.
Again & as always, good luck to everyone this winter and hope YOUR eggs start coming soon as well again! I am saving a lot of eggs for later this coming week as my church is hosting the Room At The Inn for the homeless on Thursday night and feeding breakfast on Friday, Christmas Eve and I have told them I will supply them eggs for about 25-men for the occasion. So I have plenty for them and even some to give to neighbors for their Christmas breakfast...they make good "natural gifts" to these "city slickers" over here in my neighborhood. Add a bow, a loaf of homemade bread and they have their Christmas breakfast. I will say "thanks, girls" for helping provide my gifting!
Mike...aka...Garden Daddy
I know I had done a lot of research during the early days last spring in February and March and knew what I wanted and expected from my birds. I got good brown egg layers that were also good winter layers. The Wyandottes, the Austraulorps, the one Sussex, etc. are all good winter layers and have proved themselves so. Also, the Ameraucanas are very good cool weather layers. I have 3 of them and almost get 3-eggs a day from them. Speaking of which, I got the largest egg in the history of their being here today from one of the green laying Ameraucanas...it was HUGE! It might even be a triple yolker. I have only seen one triple in my whole life and that was years ago growing up in Alabama back in the 60's. I mean it was/is gigantic. It is so large it looks fake almost if I had not gathered it myself today.
I do not know what I have done but will keep on doing it. I am still feeding my regular layer crumbles along with scratch every day but I supplement during these winter months so far with no fresh green grass or other garden rejects available with lettuce, pears, apples, stale bread, unused dry cereal, etc. from my pantry and fridge. I always try to give some kind of something "green & fresh" at least every other day. Other than that they have never been on medications or steroids or other things I have not monitored in advance.
Again & as always, good luck to everyone this winter and hope YOUR eggs start coming soon as well again! I am saving a lot of eggs for later this coming week as my church is hosting the Room At The Inn for the homeless on Thursday night and feeding breakfast on Friday, Christmas Eve and I have told them I will supply them eggs for about 25-men for the occasion. So I have plenty for them and even some to give to neighbors for their Christmas breakfast...they make good "natural gifts" to these "city slickers" over here in my neighborhood. Add a bow, a loaf of homemade bread and they have their Christmas breakfast. I will say "thanks, girls" for helping provide my gifting!
Mike...aka...Garden Daddy