Egglaying after or during motherhood?

[Lilalienangel]

How long does it take after a broody hatch for the mother to start laying again? Do they raise the chicks first??

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It depends on the hen, but *generally* a hen will molt after hatching her chicks, care and brood the chicks, then pledge them at about 4 to 6 weeks. Somewhere in that time frame, usually about 6 weeks or so, she may begin to lay again.

Some take longer (sometimes 4 months or so) some a little shorter, but usually they stop laying for at least 3 weeks after hatch.

LofMc

 

[Lilalienangel]

Thank you so much. Literally all but 2 of my hens went broody on me. Thank goodness I have friends with chickens. I would had been mad if I had to buy store eggs.

 

[aart]

Weaning and laying can vary greatly.
Have had a broody wean at 4 weeks then start laying again a week after that.
Have had. and heard of, them going much longer.

Literally all but 2 of my hens went broody on me.

You let them all hatch?
How many broodies and how many chicks?

 

[Lilalienangel]

5 hens
9 babies
They are coparenting.
However, one momma had to be removed. She tried to take over and the rest wouldn't have it. She was attacked... I gave her a chick when I took her though.

 

[Lilalienangel]

Worst part it's I totally did not expect it and hatched 14 right before it happened. I sold some so now in total I have 21 chickens.. Out of all of the chicks only 2 have been roosters so I can't complain.. My luck 18 chickens will go broody next year.. :/

 

[Lilalienangel]

A Maran
An Isbar
3 millie defluer/cochin
Does breed make a difference??