First eggs in winter...

[jmdix22]

Hello, I have 7 australorp and buff orp pullets, they are about 20 weeks and I know it would be on the earlier side of laying to start but I am concerned about the cold weather, we are already in the low 30's some mornings here with afternoon temps all the way up into the 70's. and of course the days are cut very short. I don't have a light in the coop. would this help them get started? what else could I do? they are starting to get much bigger and brighter combs so I assume they are getting close. any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I never use lights and my first year hens always get laying in a normal fashion. Those two breeds usually start laying at 5-6 months.

The temperature won't affect them either, those are still comfortable temperatures for a chicken.

 

[jmdix22]

Great news...do you think that the teens and single digits would affect them starting? because by December we will probably be looking at those. I just want to make sure I can do everything I can to help them start laying thanks!!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Cold temperature will have nothing to do with them laying, it is daylight that affects laying. They will still begin laying in winter, but their production won't be at it's maximum until the days are longer.

You can add lighting, it's best to do it slowly and work up to 15 hours of lighting. Keep the lighting in the morning so it doesn't disrupt their roosting habits. I don't light my coop, but some people do.

 

[aart]

Cold temperature will have nothing to do with them laying, it is daylight that affects laying. They will still begin laying in winter, but their production won't be at it's maximum until the days are longer.

You can add lighting, it's best to do it slowly and work up to 15 hours of lighting. Keep the lighting in the morning so it doesn't disrupt their roosting habits. I don't light my coop, but some people do.

What they said^^^ was just starting to type it up but HC summed it nicely!
Love the 'new post' notification.

 

[Happy Chooks]

@aart