So we got bantams in July. When should we be seeing eggs? The one bantam hen I have isn't laying much now. Is there a reason??
Well.... I don't really know how to get them more in the sun. The coop is up against our garage and a lemon tree off to the side.... Any other ideas? So they are old enough to lay?
I would think they would be laying. Different breeds start at different ages, some don't lay much anyway. You could install a light in the coop. A lot of folks do in the winter to encourage laying. Julie
it's not the location of the coop as much as time of year. If you are in the northern hemisphere, then it's winter time for you and the days are short. Chickens need 12-14 hours of sunlight daily to lay consistently. If you want to jump start them, you can put a light in the coop on a timer to come on about 3-4 hours before sunrise and go off once sun is up to extend the light hours and fool the chickens into thinking spring is here. Temps aren't as important as amount of daylight.
I got mine in July too which puts them around 25 weeks i think. Just last Sunday, got my first egg from one of the cochins and yesterday, got my first egg from a golden sebright. I'm still waiting on the japanese.
I agree with Arlee. We put a light in our coop, and although they are not laying as much as in the summer, it's much more than without the light.
You should see things pick up in the spring. Days are too short right now and this is when hen's bodies need to rest. This will pay off in the long run because they will be healthier for it. JJ
I live in not so sunny Upstate NY, and when my hens hit 19 wks. and no eggs, I told the hubby to install a light. Once it was in, 3 weeks later I had eggs. So I do believe it was of some help, even if you are in Florida! Stephanie