New Layers

Twice a year we replenish our chicken coop with new birds from the local farm supply store.  This is necessary only if nature has since sent the racoons, hawks, or fox to cull the flock.  Sadly, a visit from predators is a common occurrence because our birds free range.  Free-range birds lay bigger and better eggs.

Recall five weeks ago our new chickens arrived.  Today, two of those eight new birds began laying.  Notice the difference in the size of the eggs pictured below.  On the left is a jumbo egg from a mature hen who is about 18 months old; on the right, a medium specimen from a new layer.  In one US classification, any egg over 50 is medium; over 71 grams, jumbo.

Old layer's jumbo 82g next to

new layer's 50g

I lack the experience with chickens to know whether it is normal for two birds to start laying on the very same day.  If I had to guess, I would say it has something to do with the hormones of female animals living together.  Regardless, we are glad to see the new birds earning their keep.