Laying Age

[Eggstravaganza]

I have a Sussex, EE, Sicilian Buttercup, Wyandotte, and Welsummer. They range from 23-25 weeks old. I am free feeding them layer crumble with food grade diatomaceous earth mixed in and in a separate feeder some oyster shells for calcium. I feed them scratch and fruits or veggies a few times a week. They also free range and eat grass/other plant matter two days a week. I'd heard its usually around 20 weeks, so I'm just wondering what age they should start laying, given that its winter. I live in California so the coldest it gets is maybe 40 degrees F, and its closer to 60 most of the time during the day. Is it more the lower amount of daylight and shorter days or the cold temperature of winter that affects their laying? Do these factors also delay their laying age? I know Sussex are from England and should lay right through the winter, so I'm wondering if there's something I'm doing wrong that could affect their laying.

 

[sourland]

In all likelihood it is the short daylength that is restricting their egg production. As the daylength starts to increase you should see an upswing in production. In my experience temperature (within reason) has little impact on egg production.

 

[campcabo]

If you are lucky they will start to lay at about 20 weeks. Some may take a little longer. It sounds like your chickens have a nice environment and the feed should be fine. You should have them on layer feed. The temp. doesnt seem to affect them as much as the day light hours. They should still lay through winter but maybe not everyday. Some of by good layers will go to every other day in the winter. It may take them a little longer to get going since it is winter. If you want you can get a light and extend their daylight hours and see if that helps. Should start laying any day now.

 

[Eggstravaganza]

Okay, great to hear that it's probably just the shorter days of winter plus the possible natural range of laying age between individuals, breeds etc

 

[hennotrooster]

Okay, great to hear that it's probably just the shorter days of winter plus the possible natural range of laying age between individuals, breeds etc

Got my Sussex hens last year in May and the evil one still lays almost every day, her sister has given about 3 eggs since April. The first year they laid clean through winter without missing a beat. I also live in CA in the High Desert so we get pretty cold up here and at times have some snow and that did not slow them down.

 

[Eggstravaganza]

Thanks, good to know. Her comb isn't very red yet but do you think she'll start laying before winter is over?

 

[hennotrooster]

My six all started laying at 5 months. So hopefully they will lay soon. This morning I picked up 3 eggs going out to check they seem to be laying later in the day after it warms up a little 40's

. But we are still getting our 5 eggs. I have one that does not lay often more like never.