AyeAyeMagpie Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 I've only had my chickens since the beginning of September and of the 6 only two were laying but now they've stopped. We've not had any eggs for a couple of weeks even though they were laying well before. Also, the other 4 chickens are mature enough to start laying now. Is it just because of the time of year? Have your chickens stopped laying for the year now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 Eggs? What are those? Mine are moulting seriously, so probably no more eggs for me till Spring. If they haven’t started laying, they well might wait till Spring to do so. Pure breeds mostly stop over winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 How old were they when you got them? I general rule is that if they were hatched before the longest day, then they will come into lay and moult (just a gentle one) that Autumn, but if they were hatched after 21/06, then they may come into lay before the winter, but are unlikely to moult. If they hatched in August, then they may well not lay until the new year - it all depends on the shorter daylight hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 Mine are pure breeds so I don’t see eggs at all between the end of September to end February or March. Hybrids can lay all year round, but even they slow in cold weather, or when they’re moulting etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 Mine too - all pure breed bantams, and they stop laying around the end of September and start again in January Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AyeAyeMagpie Posted October 21, 2018 Author Share Posted October 21, 2018 3 hours ago, The Dogmother said: How old were they when you got them? I general rule is that if they were hatched before the longest day, then they will come into lay and moult (just a gentle one) that Autumn, but if they were hatched after 21/06, then they may come into lay before the winter, but are unlikely to moult. If they hatched in August, then they may well not lay until the new year - it all depends on the shorter daylight hours. I'm not sure of their precise age. They were sold as POL and estimated at being a few weeks off laying, and that was 31st August. They've visibly grown and matured since we've had them and most showing the squat behaviour that's associated with laying hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick Chick Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 From my limited knowledge (mainly gained from books and talking to people) laying depends on Breed, Age and time of year. 2 of mine are laying well at the moment. 3 of them won't start laying until spring now as they were born too late in the year and 2 of them will most likely always stop laying over the winter months. my conclusion is I will just have to get more hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AyeAyeMagpie Posted October 23, 2018 Author Share Posted October 23, 2018 On 22/10/2018 at 10:38 AM, Chick Chick said: From my limited knowledge (mainly gained from books and talking to people) laying depends on Breed, Age and time of year. 2 of mine are laying well at the moment. 3 of them won't start laying until spring now as they were born too late in the year and 2 of them will most likely always stop laying over the winter months. my conclusion is I will just have to get more hens Ha ha! I like your conclusion! My eldest daughter has suggested the same thing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natspringy Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 My legbars have given up for the year. My good old rescues are still going but I think it would take a lot to stop them! 2 hours ago, AyeAyeMagpie said: Ha ha! I like your conclusion! My eldest daughter has suggested the same thing. Get some rescues. They are laying machines! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AyeAyeMagpie Posted October 23, 2018 Author Share Posted October 23, 2018 We've got a nice dynamic in the coop right now, they've settled in together well. I wouldn't want to risk messing that up. Weirdly, one of the Silkies has been acting broody the last 2 days yet she's never laid an egg before. Silly bird. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natspringy Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 31 minutes ago, AyeAyeMagpie said: We've got a nice dynamic in the coop right now, they've settled in together well. I wouldn't want to risk messing that up. Weirdly, one of the Silkies has been acting broody the last 2 days yet she's never laid an egg before. Silly bird. That made me smile. Chickens are the funniest things aren't they?! Such daft, lovely things. Of course! If all happy no point. My flock had reduced and I could see being so small made my girls edgy so we added more. They have formed a lovely flock now, although the 3 legbars are still so close whilst friends with others too. Love how they have favourite friends too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
