Delawares from kathyinmo

[newmanmichael]

I'm interested in the Dels because laying well in winter is an advertised characteristic of the breed. That, the size, and the "early maturing."

I can't speak to other lines but my Delawares are really good layers but my older girls (around 2-3years) are not good winter layers. I have some pullets that come into production a month or so ago and they are doing well and even more are starting to lay but my older hens haven't laid an egg in a couple months

 

[finnfur]

I can't speak to other lines but my Delawares are really good layers but my older girls (around 2-3years) are not good winter layers. I have some pullets that come into production a month or so ago and they are doing well and even more are starting to lay but my older hens haven't laid an egg in a couple months

Newman
You mean there is a Winter in Florida-? Thats not what Disney advertises . LOL

 

[NestingHillsSC]

Yep...could be the light. I've confined them to the coop for a period of time, so I know they aren't laying out. I figured if the old hens can lay without light addition, the younger should be able to as well. I don't normally add light and I'm hoping to stay away from animals and breeds that have to have artificial lighting to produce in the winter months. I don't expect high yields in those months but some level of production is a desired trait with me.

That's one reason I keep a mix of breeds, as some will more readily lay in the winter months than others and thus keeps us in eggs for eating at those times. If I have a whole flock of birds that will not lay at all in the winter months, I see a need for some changes. I'm just curious if this is normal for heritage line birds of all breeds, as my pullets are from two different breeds, so it doesn't appear to be breed specific.

I guess that is my question...do heritage lines of birds need artificial lighting to produce in the winter months? If so, is anyone breeding against that trait?

I never use lights. I have the Delawares and Heritage Reds. Plus hatchery leghorn and light Brahmas. They lay all year long. There is a slow time when daylight shortens and lengthens. Then once they get use to it, they are all right back at it. So I say NO! But you do have to take into consideration where you live. I live in SC.

But then again, I have people buying eggs from me because there hens aren't laying.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

Newman
You mean there is a Winter in Florida-? Thats not what Disney advertises . LOL

 

[newmanmichael]

Newman
You mean there is a Winter in Florida-? Thats not what Disney advertises . LOL

Ha! Well, it's 30 degrees with frost on the ground this morning so you tell me ! I'm about 6.5 hours from Disney and only 20 minutes south and east of the Alabama line... some like to say I live in L.A. (lower Alabama).

 

[rancher hicks]

I've always liked my Dels for laying in winter and confinement. I do hope to score some good hatching eggs in the spring though. I'll be hatching just the same.

My Birchen Marans and EE's are doing very well considering. I do believe they don't like to be inside no matter what though. It is good though cuz come spring both breeds will go broody like the breeds depend on it. Are EE's a breed? Doesn't matter they are good brooders. I have a tough time with Marans in the incubator so most eggs with the broodies will be theirs.

 

[newmanmichael]

I've always liked my Dels for laying in winter and confinement. I do hope to score some good hatching eggs in the spring though. I'll be hatching just the same.

My Birchen Marans and EE's are doing very well considering. I do believe they don't like to be inside no matter what though. It is good though cuz come spring both breeds will go broody like the breeds depend on it. Are EE's a breed? Doesn't matter they are good brooders. I have a tough time with Marans in the incubator so most eggs with the broodies will be theirs.

By EE I assume you mean Easter Egger? It's not a breed but I think it's just a broad category for birds that aren't technically an Ameraucana but lay a blue/green/pink egg.

 

[rancher hicks]

My EE's only lay blue/green , blue and now olive. I just traded away my lavender Amer roo for a lavender Araucana roo. Why is it the smallest roosters are the loudest and most hyper ? I do have a nice dark blue EE roo too. He's very nice. I almost traded him away.

 

[wekiva bird]

My EE's only lay blue/green , blue and now olive. I just traded away my lavender Amer roo for a lavender Araucana roo. Why is it the smallest roosters are the loudest and most hyper ? I do have a nice dark blue EE roo too. He's very nice. I almost traded him away.

Same here My EE lay blue , blue/green &light olive.
The smallest rooster here is loud too.

 

[finnfur]

Same here My EE lay blue , blue/green &light olive.
The smallest rooster here is loud too.

Yep I got one that came back from molt vacation and must have gone to Army boot camp. OD Green eggs this years.
Going to breed my #2 Del Cock with them to create some colored egg Delaweggers

My EE's only lay blue/green , blue and now olive. I just traded away my lavender Amer roo for a lavender Araucana roo. Why is it the smallest roosters are the loudest and most hyper ? I do have a nice dark blue EE roo too. He's very nice. I almost traded him away.

You need to act Cocky when your small. LOL