Chicken bald back

[meezers]

Well I've got 10 chooks, and apart from my little silkie who lays brilliantly when she's not broody ( which she is - AGAIN ) I have had no eggs for over 2 months.

I've got 2 too young, 2 taken VERY early retirement, 1 broody and 5 in various stages of moult

Out of the moulting ones, which of these can I expect to lay through winter ? I have a Welsummer, Australorp, Speckeldy, Light Sussex and Cream Legbar.

I'm sure my Sussex and speckeldy laid last winter, I think the Australorp is supposed to ( and she's long finished moulting ) not sure about the welsummer and Legbar. Any ideas anyone ?

[chelsea]

My Maran (which is similar to a Speckeldy) laid all year her first year with us but the following year and from then on she's taken a Winter break.

[Jools]

Hybrids are often more prolific than pure breeds, so they will often lay for longer, so your Speckledy is the answer.

 

However, the only chickens that usually lay through the winter are those hatched from an egg laying strain before the longest day and that's only in their first cycle. So to be sure of getting winter eggs, you need to add to your flock each year.

 

There are exceptions to prove the rule of course. I have a Silver Sussex bantam that it still laying even though she should have moulted by now. I'm sure there are plenty of others too.