Molting Season and Egg Production

[RIredlady]

hi everyone, my chickens are about a year and a half old and have recently gone through their first molt. How long in average will it take for them to begin egg production again?

 

[RodNTN]

My chicken began molting (the molt lasted around 6 weeks) Your hens should begin laying in a few weeks after the molt. But if you are going through an icy, cold, winter- it might be later than you think.

 

[RIredlady]

Ok great to know. I was worried they just decided to live as free loaders

 

[keesmom]

I have a bunch molting now. I don't expect to see eggs again until at least Feb from that lot.

 

[junebuggena]

Depends on the individual and how you feel about supplemental lighting. Some hens start back up as soon as they are done molting. Others won't start laying again till the days start getting longer and spring is on the way.
If you absolutely must have eggs, and you can't afford to allow them to take their natural break during winter, you'll have to start supplemental light so that they get enough light exposure for egg production.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I have been getting zero eggs from my 8 for at least a few weeks. Usually at least one of my Easter Eggers will lay but they all decided to molt at the same time.

We've been having to buy eggs haha

 

[RIredlady]

Yea mine laid eggs right through winter consistently last year. So hopefully they'll start again soon

 

[kgb6days]

My 7 are all molting at the same time but I'm still getting anywhere from 2-4 eggs a day.

 

[junebuggena]

Yea mine laid eggs right through winter consistently last year. So hopefully they'll start again soon

They were pullets last year, that's why they laid all through winter. You are in a completely different situation this year.

 

[RIredlady]

Good point. So more than likely they're on strike until the weather begins warming up again?