chicken quit layin

[conwaymomma]

I got two girls, 1 Rhode Island Red and 1 New Hampshire Red, back mid summer that were both laying. When we got home, I expected to wait a while for them to learn their surroundings before laying but they started right up. About three months after getting settled in one of the girls, Penny the NHR, decided she wasn't going to lay anymore. Now she looks like the other girls are pulling her feathers out around her neck. What's the deal?





I have one Rhode Island Red "Ruby", one New Hampshire Red "Penny", and two little game hens "Tuesday and Sweet Peep".

 

[unionwirewoman]

Sounds like she's going through a molt . Be prepared not to have eggs for awhile , last time all but 5 of mine went through it and it took almost 3 months . It usually takes less though....mine were just stubborn I guess .

 

[conwaymomma]

Is it common for chickens to quit laying in Winter? My girls are mostly outdoors in a coop but they have a warm house they get in at night. I haven't collected any new eggs for about 3 weeks now, being that I live in Alabama, we just started getting some cool days. I started them back on Starter Grow instead of Layers Pellets too, any advice?

 

[b.hromada]

I have a question. My columbian wyandotte which is about a year and 1/2 old stopped laying around 4 months ago? My question is, will she start laying again? My daughter-in-law says that this is normal, and her cycle is just that, taking a break from laying eggs. I'm sure its hard on the system to be laying all the time. Just hope she starts again. Any suggestions?

 

[McChix]

Don't worry - chickens take a break from laying when there are fewer daylight hours, and also when they are molting. My Ameraucana started molting in August and after 5 months I had just about given up hope on any more eggs from her, but last Sunday she surprised me with a beautiful green egg! I told my DH that she's a good Scottish chicken and started laying again in honor of (Robert) Burns night!

 

[ozark hen]

Quote:
depends on the breed of chicken as I have orps and they lay year round..unless...they are molting. Most chickens take the winter off so to speak, they will start again.

 

[b.hromada]

thanks everyone. I sure hope she does soon. I don't know if its the breed that she is, or just like you both said, some chickens take a lot of time off!

Barbara

 

[conwaymomma]

It sounds like my girl is going through a molt. I appreciate all of the comments. Right now all of my girls are taking a break from layin, hopefully come spring they'll all surprise me with a bunch of eggs.

 

[Nancyjane]

McChicks, Thanks for the reminder of Robert Burns Day! How could we forget?!?! ACHHHHHHH, but we did!
Do you also celebrate (remember remember) The 5th of November? Guy Fox Day? We save some of our fireworks to let off in November!
To keep on topic, we never let our fireworks off anywhere near the chickens! Might spook them!