Momma Hen - When do they cut the cord and lay again? 13 weeks now

[SpicyDisaster]

Our pullet Ancona Ferdie went broody and hatched out two chicks from eggs given to us by a neighbor (only one of which survived). Ferdie is now 9 months old and Oreo is 13 weeks. There is no more calling for food by momma and momma will go into the nesting boxes for a time for several weeks now without actually laying. Oreo is fully integrated with the flock and will wander off on her own though they are often found hanging out together all the time.

I'm not concerned as much as curious as to when they typically start laying after hatching. I have read it's usually around 6-8 weeks so perhaps it's just that we are still in winter so she's going to take the winter off as well. Just kind of funny to see Oreo who at 13 weeks is almost as big as her mom.

 

[sourland]

Anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks of age depending on the hen. Mothering combined with the shortened daylight period is impacting your hen. Sounds as if she is about to restart laying.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Mine hatched chicks in auguest those since been processed and she hasnt even started back up since

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't think there is an average. I had one that started laying 2-1/2 weeks after hatching, she didn't wean her chicks until three weeks. Those were some confused chicks for a while. I had a hen that hatched in mid summer and molted while she was raising her chicks. She was over the molt and laying again by the time the others started their molt. Most hens don't start laying again until a few weeks after they wean their chicks. Many don't wean their chicks for two months or more after they hatch. This is in summer, right now you are dealing with winter.

I don't have a clue when she will start again. It could be today, it may still be months. Good luck!

 

[SpicyDisaster]

Installed a coop cam this week and have been enjoying the antics Ferdie gets up to. She's spending at least an hour a day in the nest box, sometimes with Oreo in the box next to her just chilling. This afternoon Ferdie actually squatted for me though so I have a feeling she's close. Going to try and pull a video tomorrow to share of Oreo and Ferdie in the boxes.

 

[Auntiejessi3]