west7
In the Brooder
- Aug 27, 2015
- 3
- 0
- 20
we have 3 rhode island reds and they are 2 years old now.This month has been very very bad for eggs. some days we get one and some days 2..today there were none. not sure what to do.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
When they are in their first year, they typically lay right through the winter, but by the time they are two, they will take a break, starting in early fall and going to late winter, while they molt and await for the days to start lengthening again. It is a bit of shock to see how drastic the change is between a one and two year old hen. I had a dozen hens and the first year I was giving away eggs to friends and family. The second year I was lucky to get an egg a day -- most days there were none -- in November and December. Friends were showing up hopefully with empty egg cartons and couldn't believe I had no more eggs. I thought about putting in supplemental lightening, but decided to just let the natural cycle play itself out. I learned that if you want eggs year around, you pretty much need to be raising up at least one new chicken per year (if you have the space for it).I thought it was just my girls....molting---some yes, led light---well of course, but last year no slow down at all. Was an egg a day from everyone. Ahh the good old days.