my mama wants to know...

[danielle82]

I am asking a question for my mother...She has about 20 chickens, EE's, Orpingtons, australorps and dominiques. They all started laying in late november early december and until about 3 weeks ago all of them were laying quite well, then she stopped getting her green ee eggs, I told her they were probably just taking a little break but she wanted me to go on "the interweb forum" and ask the chicken people what they thought.... So any ideas for me to pass along to her? Is it just because the EE arn't as good of layers as her other breeds so they take a break? ( I guess being her daughter, My thoughts need to be backed-up lol)

 

[Cindiloohoo]

It could be that, or it could simply be the weather, or feed requirements have gone up and feed hasn't. Actually could be a few things. It could be their age, a molt etc.

 

[bigstack]

Almost all chickens slow down or stop during the winter. You can keep them laying more by keeping a light on until later in the evening. Give them 12-14 hours of light and they will lay alot better. Mother natures time clock is the day light length. It lets them conserve energy and calories for the winter. (when they where in the wild) They will start to lay more when the temp rises and days get longer. Just my observance!
I also agree with the above !

Good luck and God Bless!

 

[kipper]

More light, good quality layer feed. Ours started laying at the same time as hers and are all going strong.

 

[prov31gal]

i woulnt sy all chickens, there are many good winter layers, i know many of mine especially buff orpingtons, never skipped a beat .

 

[ChickBond 007]

Sprinkle a little cayene pepper on their food and see if that gets them laying again.