It has been my observation that three RIR laying hens are just a tiny bit more than enough to keep one guy, who likes to eat eggs, in eggs. And three is what I currently have. Since two is one and one is none, I decided to double that number – actually I intended to more than double it, but of the five supposedly-confirmed-female chicks I bought one died and one turned out male. So in a peculiar way it worked out perfect.
But the feed store didn’t get these chicks until June or July – way late in the season to be starting chickens. That means my three pullets are only seven or eight months old, and only now should I start expecting them to earn their feed.
…and this afternoon one of them acknowledged her willingness to serve. So it won’t be long before I have surplus again, which is good because the Brahmas aren’t really doing anything anymore; they’re due to learn the truth about the afterlife.
Whichever hen started laying this early is going to be a good one, for real. You have not had all that much sunshine, and light is ultimately what triggers egg laying. The eggs will get larger as she gets into gear. Beautiful eggs. 🙂
Two point five is a lot better than zero point zero so enjoy what you have.