Question - how long does moulting take? I need eggs!!!

[thebifman]

My 7 hens started to moult in early December and seem to have all their feathers back now. Egg production is still almost at zero! When will they start to lay again? This is their second winter so they are about 2 1/2 years old. Thanks!

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

When their combs turn bright red again they should be back in laying mode.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Unfortunately, during the winter chickens seem to slow down or stop laying altogether. A lot of times they will stop laying to conserve energy so that they are able to keep warm. Being that you are in NY, this is most likely why your hens have stopped laying. They should start back up again in March, but should definitely be laying by April. Sometimes they start earlier, but I find that in mid April, my girls are laying full steam!

 

[thebifman]

You were right, they started back up again and its still February. Getting about 6 per day again. This is their second year and the eggs seem to be even better now that they are fully mature.