Single hen

[VicW]

Just wondering what you all think...

I've got 4 pure breeds, all due to come into lay around about December time according to their age.... But, given that most purebreeds slow down or stop over winter, will they just wait until spring? Just wondering whether the urge to start laying because of their age will override the daylight hours?

I'm sure the answer is probably along the lines of 'it varies...!' But just interested if anyone has any experiences they can share?

[smanners]

Well I'm new to chicken keeping but we got a 16 week old maran on 7th Sept.

The farmer informed us that although we could get eggs soon we may not see any until after February !

However her face is very red and she's started squatting as we approach. She is also very vocal so I think we may get eggs this year after all.

Hope you get some soon!

 

 

Sophie

Blue Maran Mrs Doyle

Black Star Rocky

Light sussex Helen

8 rescued cats

3 gerbils

1 mouse

loads of pond fish

[VicW]

Sophie,

How exciting. Look forward to hearing whether she produces anything for you this side of Christmas!

Victoria

[The Dogmother]

I hope that they do start to lay for you, but pure breed late-hatchers don't usually start to lay until January/February. I'm in the same boat as you with 4 new pullets - I shan't hold my breath, but will count any pre-Christmas eggs from them as a blessing.

[Omletina Kyckling]

I'm in the same boat, my babies are pure breeds and I'm not expecting anything this side of Christmas and perhaps not until early spring. I'm with Claret, that any eggs before that are a bonus! Can't wait for my white eggs though!!

[new chick]

I'm also with you.

 

3 pure breeds, 1 at 29 weeks and 2 at 27 weeks. No eggs.

 

My vet, who is chicken mad says they my not lay until spring.

 

I live in hope

 

NC

[chickenanne]

I've 2 pure breds, and they both started laying in early December last year... I think winter year 1 they tend to pop 'em out much more enthusiastically than they do when older.

[The Dogmother]

It's really all down to when they hatch. I had some once that hatched in July - they laid like troopers all through the first winter. Any later hatchers that that are a bit iffy to be honest.

 

My Cuckoo maran bantam just started to crouch fro me this week, but I think she's just being friendly as her face furniture is still quite small and pale. She's 22 weeks.

 

Bear in mind though that pure breeds are often much later to come into lay.

[Egg Lou]

Oh thanks for starting this thread as been curious myself.. my pekins would be due to lay about Christmas but was thinking I will prob be lucky to see a tiny egg this side of Easter.

[VicW]

Seems like there are a few of us in the same boat

 

I was just curious really... I am not expecting any before Spring, but would be a great bonus if they come earlier.

 

Keep us updated everyone, would love to hear when they arrive...

[smanners]

Yipeeeeeeee!!!! Can't believe it Mrs Doyle (Blue Maran) laid her first egg today and it was perfect. As a newbie to chicken keeping it's just so exciting!

 

She's supposed to be just about 21 weeks, now I'm wondering if this is possible or might we have been given a wrong age???

 

In contrast Helen our light sussex is now 29 weeks with bright pillar box red face furniture but not an egg in sight

Perhaps she'll take note and produce an egg for us soon!

 

Rocky

Mrs Doyle

Helen

 

8 rescued cats

3 gerbils

1 mouse

loads of pond fish

[Barkisland]

Just got my girls yesterday, pure breeds, no combs visible at all yet, still on growers pellets, so doubt I'll see an egg til spring...

But good luck every one, it must be so exciting getting your first egg! I can't wait.