Any Hen-ologists out there?

[zippytiptoes]

We've just got some hens and love them loads. Didn't realise they'd be so relaxing to watch.

We've had them three weeks and have only had two eggs. Four people to one egg is a bit of a squeeze! Am I doing something wrong and how can I encourage them to lay more? Is it just a come when they're ready thing?

Also, we want to get one more hen. Would it be really bad to just introduce one on its own? The hens we have all seem really easy going and no pecking has taken place amongst them.

And finally, can you feed them too many kitchen scraps?

Any ideas please?

Thanks

You'll probably get more replies posting on the chicken keepers thread here but you should be getting an egg every day or two from each hen unless they are broody. What variety are they and how old are they?

Hi zippytiptoes

Come over to chicken keepers! we'll be happy to have you!!

if you got them at point of lay they will be a while till they are all laying regularly, what breeds are they? best not to feed to many klitchen scraps as can affect laying (or is it effect), thay are gorgeous aren' they, also have you foiund the chicken keepers bit yet.

Have a feeling that hens take a while to settle down when moved and 'point of lay' does not mean actually actively laying at full capacity yet. They are really only like young teenagers at the moment.

Our 4 hens lay 3 eggs per day but are several years old.

They are probably just young still. Get them in tip top condition with some layer's mash and remember they need a source of calcium and vitamins (can add to their water). Need to peck at bits of green too. Regarding kitchen scraps, go canny with watery veg eg lettuce, as although they will enjoy a bit, it can give them the runs.