Is it too late to lay?

[liz_s]

Hello!

So I know that the shorter days make egg production slow down, but I have a possibly different problem. I have three Ameraucanas, theoretically all the same age. One started laying a month ago, but the other two never started. They're about 7 months old, so I would think that they should all be laying by now... If they didn't start laying by the time the days got shorter, will they not start until next year? It seems odd, but not impossible. I'm new to the whole chicken biology thing.

Anybody have any similar experiences? Oh, and the one that is laying had definitely not slowed down!

Thanks,

Liz

 

[woodmort]

EE's are essentially mutts so even hatchmates may have different genes and start laying at different times. Generally speaking first year layers will lay when they're ready regardless of the season. Right now I've got 4 6-month old EE pullets that don't even appear to be ready but expect eggs from them before spring.

 

[liz_s]

Actually, I don't have EEs. They're pure-bred Ameraucanas. But it's good to know that they might still lay. The breeder I got them from said that they were 8 weeks, but I have a feeling there was a few week difference in their age. I'm not too concerned about it, considering they're mostly lovable pets, but I'm still learning how this all works! From other posts I learned that their combs can be a sign about when they're ready to lay, so I'll be looking out for that!

Thanks for the input!

Liz

 

[woodmort]

Quote:
From what I've read there isn't any such thing--Ameraucanas are just a different set of mutts. But either way I suspect there are a bunch of genes at work that will vary when they lay.

 

[liz_s]

Not to beat a dead horse, but it was actually through BYC's breed index that I first learned the diff. between Ameraucanas and EEs. I was directed to their breeders' club (http://www.ameraucana.org/) and fell in love! Definitely worth the wait for eggs.

 

[txcarl1258]

Ameraucanas are an actual breed with a standard of perfection with the APA. From what I have been told, they can take a little longer than other breeds to mature to laying age.

 

[liz_s]

Good to know! I love these forums; I always learn so much- thanks!

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Quote:

I have bantam Ameraucanas. Beautiful birds meeting the APA standards. Go right ahead and beat that horse!

 

[alaskachick]

My chickens have been laying for 6 weeks. The temps are below freezing now here in Alaska....It's dark till 9am and gets dark at 7pm... that means not much daylight. All my chickens are still laying... with a 40 watt bulb in the coop. By Dec 21st there will be only 6 hours of daylight and below zero temps. Its then that I will see what my chickens do during the winter.

 

[liz_s]

Alaskachick- your winter sounds intense! It's great to know that they're still laying. Do they stay in their coop all day? I would be interested to know how they do when it gets worse. Thanks chic-n-farmer, I am very proud of my girls!