eggs stopped cold

[0die]

got 4 hens, all about 3 years old. They have all gone cold for a couple weeks. I've never in 8 years had a 2 week total dry spell. I've searched the whole run area...nothing hidden anywhere. Hoping it's just the weather. South Texas so we really don't have a winter.

 

[-Shade-]

Probably the weather. My girls didn't have a solid dry spell on eggs until they were about 3 years old as well. The first 2 years of their life are their prime and they lay a lot more, but about the winter of their third year, they slow down or stop all together
They'll probably pick up again later into the winter or in the spring

 

[0die]

That's my hope. Not feeding any freeloaders.

 

[sourland]

Shortened day light period and age have caught up to them. They are taking a normal break in their laying cycle. As the day light period increases, they will start laying again.

 

[nuthatched]

Chickens need 14 hours of light to stimulate the pituitary gland that controls laying. Younger birds aren't as affected as much as older birds.
'Winter' or not, it's not really a matter of temperature.

 

[0die]

bummer...I'm hungry

 

[sourland]

bummer...I'm hungry

Chicken and dumplings?

 

[0die]

Chicken and dumplings?

perhaps...

 

[Predoggg]

Ours always take about a 4 week break. Our oldest chickens will be 4 this year and they did it since year one.