Solitary chicken - need advice

[meezers]

Until they start laying again ? I've got 5 who are moulting or just finished moulting. How long on average does it take for them to start laying again ( I meant to write it on the calendar last year when my Speckeldy moulted , but forgot ) .

The Australorp started moulting in september and finished a couple of weeks ago, but no sign of eggs .

[Jools]

I'm afraid there is no clear cut answer. Some will come back into lay a few weeks later, others will wait til warmer and lighter days. To be honest with you, it's better if they do take a winter break because quite often the prolific layers send themselves to an early grave. I discovered that with the first strain of Marans bantams I had. They were fabulous birds and barely missed a day but none of them made old bones.

Edited December 5, 2009 by Guest

[chelsea]

I agree with Jools. Mine finished moulting a couple of weeks ago - still have the odd feather dropping here and there but no sign of an egg yet and no red combs. I think my lot will wait till Spring.

[meezers]

To be honest with you, it's better if they do take a winter break because quite often the prolific layers send themselves to an early grave.

 

 

Not if they belong to me - my prolific layers ( bluebelle and black rock ) just take very early retirement, haven't had an egg from the little madams for over a year now ( and they were only 18 months old when they retired ! )

[TAJ]

mine seem to be about a month afterwards - pure breeds may however rest for the winter anyway.

 

Tracy