Laying and then stopping - is that normal?

[AmieD]

I just started with chickens this year. I have 6 hens that are 23 weeks old. The three white leghorns are all laying regularly, 1/3 NH Reds are laying, and 1/2 of the Dominiques started laying. She laid about 4-5 eggs in a 2 week period and stopped. I added artificial lighting in the mornings to make sure they get at least 14 hours of light, but still nothing. Any ideas as to why she stopped? I assume my other non-laying girls should start any time... is that right? Thanks!

 

[SIMZ]

This is fairly common in my coop.

It sounds like you're doing everything right. Yes, the rest should start laying and the others should even out with time. Although, I have several that lay a few weeks and quit....lay a few weeks and quit. Ugh!

 

[AmieD]

Thanks.

 

[aart]

The light can take a while to do it's 'magic'.....
......and is often not necessary for pullets( not hens until 1 yr of age) in their first winter of lay.
Here's a pretty good article on supplemental lighting.

.... I have several that lay a few weeks and quit....lay a few weeks and quit. Ugh!

Yep, me too.


Chickens can be fickle...or as Blooie says..."They're not Pez dispensers!"

Your leghorns will likely be your most regular and prolific layers as they are a high production breed.

 

[AmieD]

All my oldest pullets are laying now.