24 weeks to get an Egg

About a month ago, we went to Tractor Supply and bought some ceramic eggs. The theory being if they see the eggs in the nesting boxes, it might be a hint to use them. Everyday we would check the coop, but no real eggs. About two weeks ago, the eggs started being moved around the coop and the straw in the boxes was also moved. As time progressed, there were more signs of movement in the boxes, but still no eggs!

Afternoon Delight!

I let the chicks out one morning and then was busy the rest of the day. After picking my son up at the bus stop, I did my usual check and there in the chicken run, next to the food, was an egg!! It was such a rush!!! I never thought an egg could make me so happy….maybe that’s why I didn’t even think about that there were big chunks of poop on the picture I showed everyone (don’t worry, I washed my hands after handling the egg).

Of course, now I could only think…when will we get more!!

The waiting for the eggs game

The next day was a loser…not one egg!

The day after that was a winner! I caught Zombie (one of the Australorps) in the act so we waited and when she left…a beautiful clean egg! I wondered if it would be an every other day thing for a while.

Egg number 3 came the next morning so I was feeling better! The white one is the ceramic egg.

The Daily Egg

Day 4 brought another egg and lots of movement in the nesting boxes..we even caught Chickaletta (Orpington) chilling outside a nesting box…but no egg. I also see her eating the oyster shells so I think her time is coming. I look forward to the day I find two eggs. We also have been letting them roam more on the land which I think helps…it makes me nervous when we lose sight of them since we are surrounded by woods (and a highway), but they are pretty good about coming back…. a few shakes of the bag of dried mealworms and they will follow me anywhere.

And in case you are wondering….no we haven’t eaten them yet. They are so pretty I am hesitant to crack them…maybe this weekend we will finally have enough for a family omelet.