How soon will she lay after eggs hatch out?

[MareeZoCool]

My first experience with a broody has caused me to ask a kazillion questions. Hubby came up with this one: WHEN WILL SHE START LAYING EGGS AGAIN? I have no idea, is it similar to dogs & cats? Once the newborns get a bit independent, the mother returns to breeding cycles?

 

[MareeZoCool]

I get the hint; "Just wait & see. Chickens will do whatever chickens need to do."

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

It depends on whether or not she broods them. If she does, she won't lay again until the chicks are independant. If you brood them, she may return to laying sooner.

 

[SmartyChick]

If she is raising them she won't lay again until they are "weaned", that is usually around 8 weeks, I think. If they are her first babies she won't let them go for a while. My hen didn't start laying again until her babies started laying! Hope that doesn't work out the way for you.