Bad Timing On My Part

[SewingDiva]

I'm such a doofus...I ordered our chicks May 16, but they did not arrive until June 16 (one breed was back ordered), and this never occured to me: only 9 hours of daylight right when they are coming up onto 25 weeks and getting ready to lay (they are all maturing on schedule as far as I can tell from comb color and such.) Their coop is too small to safely wire a light (its a Dennis Playhouse Coop)

MA won't be back to 11 hours of daylight till Feb 24. Is is possible they could just go on hiatus and not lay at all till the days lengthen?

Bummed

Phyllis

 

[RickiHupp]

I am sure they will start laying when they are ready but with the shorter days it will not be as many eggs as normal. Just make sure they have enough nutrients they need and you should start getting some eggs soon!!

 

[Pumpkinpup]

Hang in there, Phyllis

It will be just fine. A few less eggs maybe but that's all.

 

[digitS']

Phyllis, I try to get chicks about the 1st of July since the weather has warmed and I don't use a brooder light.

This year, DW convinced me that it was necessary to go back to an earlier date - 1st of June . . . Left me praying for Summer warmth.

Altho' I haven't used a brooder light for the last 3 batches of chicks, I use a small light in my small coop during the Fall & Winter.

I recall that the Playhouse coop has a window. It wouldn't take a whole lot of light. Christmas season is here . . .

Steve

 

[JennsPeeps]

I got chicks in the last week of May, which put my girls at 5 months in October. My sex-link just started laying last week. Coffeelady3 is in the same boat - both her BSL & barred rock have started laying in the past month.

It's possible!

eta - no lights... my girls are au naturel!

 

[SewingDiva]

I feel much better now - thanks guys! 25 weeks will be December 22, so maybe we'll get a nice Christmas present.

From what I've gleaned on BYC , the whole egg laying process reminds me of potty training a toddler; it's all about them, it happens when it happens, and there is not much I can do to influence it or speed it up!

Phyllis

 

[cackle]

Quote:

I think that just about sums it up.