Also, Orpingtons are supposed to be a broody breed, meaning they tend to try set and hatch out chicks, which tendency has been bred out of most other breeds. This way we won't have to keep buying chicks each spring.
Turns out one was a rooster, but these things happen. Anyway, the pullets have just started laying.
I imagine the old biddies appreciate the help, but the youngsters are still a bit shy of full capabilities.
Do you want the option to eat the eggs, too, or will you just try for chicks with this group?
ReplyDeleteHens will lay an egg almost every day when young. They also won't go broody all at the same time, so yes, we'll be getting lots of eggs as well as hatching out chicks. Once the hen's chicks are hatched out and independent, the hen will go back to laying eggs nearly every day, so we will hopefully be in eggs for a long time to come.
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