sumi you must have a couple youngsters? after the now dead possum killed the last of mine this summer (had raised them from 3 day old chicks!! 3 y/o barred rocks & laying every day, RIP ) I had to begin with a new flock. Was able to buy some 12 wk olds at a couple clips and they should lay soon. From the eggs size, I know a few have started but not on daily yet. Got 4 Buff Orps who were 1.5 & they are laying after a molt, so.....I am hoping soon that I can begin to supply customers again as everyone gets into sync. It took them about a month to just settle in with one another! They have a 10X12 coop with 1/3 acre free range but, still didn't "know" ea other.
Do you have suppliers there in Ireland for chicks, like we do here in USA, or do you have to find locals who will sell? I've never been to Ireland but always thought of it as more scattered small towns & older ways. So when you say they are loaded with regs it yanked me into reality.
cornwoman -- wow! I wish they were near me! Heck, I'd do the unloading for that haul! Woohoo!
It's so disheartening when predators do that. I hope the newbies settle and start laying up a storm for you soon!
