Egg Laying

[Stephen1152]

I read an article that said a chicken is like a human in that they are born with a certain amount of eggs that they will lay throughout their lifetime. Does that mean if I don't have my chickens lay during the winter, I will get more years out of them producing eggs during the summer? Or will they still stop laying at a certain age. My chickens now of course are my pets and nothing will ever happen to them under my control. But it would be nice if they continue to lay eggs for a longer period of time. Even if I have to buy eggs during the winter.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

That is true, that they are hatched with all the eggs that they're going to lay in the course of their lives, same as us.
Really though, I'm not planning on putting up lighting to get them to lay through the winter, and for me... the only reason I'm not is that I want their bodies to concentrate on staying warm and making it through the winter. If it can handle popping out an egg every once in a while on top of that... cool beans. If not, oh well... my chickens will be healthy, which is the important part.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Yes, that is my understanding as well.

I have talked with people who still have hens laying eggs at 8 years old though not as often and not as high of quality as when they were younger. Though that wouldn't be my expectation from a leghorn or other prolific layer... I recently met a guy who had a sex link still laying Silkie size eggs at 8. Another with a 6 year old Australorp laying every other day. So genetics will play a roll.

Actually unwashed eggs stay good for a VERY long time in the refrigerator. So you should be able to just stock pile enough to get you by. For example, one year I had 6 month old eggs we were eating. Only noticeable difference was the size of the air pocket. Also, they can be shelled and frozen in an ice cube tray (then bagged) for future use.

Also another way to keep winter production high is by getting a couple new birds on the year your other birds will molt. In addition you can choose breeds that are better winter layers.

So I wouldn't say by NOT letting them lay in winter but rather by not using artificial light to increase winter production and just letting their body take it's natural breaks and course of action you should definitely have chickens with longer and more productive life spans.

And I will also note that nutrition is key... like switching to a lower calcium feed than layer (usually 4%) during molt and boosting protein. Reason is feathers are made from 90% protein and the amino acids therein. So higher protein (than the 16% BARE MINIMUM) will support feather growth better. In addition, too much calcium fed to non laying birds such as those in molt *can* (doesn't mean will) suffer from kidney issues if fed long term. For this reason in addition to having multiple genders and ages, I feed a flock raiser that has 20% protein and about 1% calcium. I provide oyster shell on the side for layers. My supporting study... (one misprint say 5-17% and should say 15-17%)
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/186894.pdf

Also have studies showing that higher protein feeds give better hatch rates and chick vitality... which to me means it MUST be more nutritious eggs! Otherwise, why better hatching/viability? Many breeders go with 20%+ and some "show" people use 25% for the beautiful shiny feathers it produces. I think it's important not to diminish the nutrition of the feed by adding in too many treats. Even though feed is made from mostly corn, it has been fortified where as scratch has not been.

Many people feed layer to all their chickens always and never notice anything wrong. I know too much and I want the best!

Again, genetics and health plays a role. So regardless of what you do they may or may not stop laying at a certain age. But giving them good nutrition and living conditions will give them their best possibility of having long, fruitful lives.

 

[Stephen1152]

That is true, that they are hatched with all the eggs that they're going to lay in the course of their lives, same as us.
Really though, I'm not planning on putting up lighting to get them to lay through the winter, and for me... the only reason I'm not is that I want their bodies to concentrate on staying warm and making it through the winter. If it can handle popping out an egg every once in a while on top of that... cool beans. If not, oh well... my chickens will be healthy, which is the important part.

I always wanted chickens but I was never expecting them to become the pets that they have become. Each with their own personality. I think you are right with everything you said and I do agree also. But my question is still not answered. My guess is that if they don't lay all winter and their bodies get a chance to rest, it is healthier for them and they will produce more during the summer. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Cindy in PA]

They like us are born with all the eggs they will ever have, but that doesn't mean we get to use them all! I had chickens lay for 8 years also, & they had light every winter. Do whatever makes you happy, but don't think lighting automatically "hurts" your chickens.

 

[Lynn Borich]

Can a chicken lay two eggs in one day?

 

[Acre4Me]

Yes, pullets/hens have all the eggs they will ever have, but that numbers in the thousands. So, it would take well over 10 years of daily laying to run out of eggs. But, chickens molt and take a natural break of 1-3 months. And chickens take approx 25 or 26 hours to produce one egg, which means they would naturally skip a day here and there. Sometimes they go broody and may take 2-3 months off for that (3 weeks sitting +4 or more weeks raising chicks). Let’s not forget predator attacks, illness, or similar that can unexpectedly shorten their lives and egg laying

We add light in the morning hours from fall through late winter. It is one lightbulb in the coop. This is to provide a total of approx 14 hours of light per day, yet still allow them to have a natural sunset/roosting experience (no supplemental light in the evening). And even still, we are not awash in eggs. Many molted this fall (no eggs). Also, we have heritage types not known for daily laying, and not all are good winter layers. Overall, I’m not concerned that they are going to run out of eggs.

good luck with your chickens.

 

[aart]

Can a chicken lay two eggs in one day?

Possible, but not probable.
@Lynn Borich if you want more replies/answers,
might start a new thread here
with details about your birds and their eggs.