New Chickens - they were on 24 hour light

[fasschicks]

I just acquired 3 Ameraucana's (blue wheaten, wheaten, and splash). They are 1 year old and have been laying for about 6 months already. Just as I was ready to leave the breeder, he mentioned that he keeps them on 24 hours of light. My first thought was Ughhh. He said that if I cut their light, they will quit laying. I guess that is to be expected. Since it is summer, my other girls are on sunlight only. I only give light in the winter, but it is only 15 hours max.

So, my question is, if I keep them on just sunlight, will they quit laying for good? Or do they just need to readjust to less sunlight and after a couple months, will they start laying again? I plan to start lighting in late October for the entire winter. Any thoughts on what I should do? I wasn't expecting this and was hoping to get eggs from them right now, but don't believe in 24 hour lighting.

Lastly, since they are a year old, will the lack of light cause them to molt right now? It is stressful enough to bring new girls in, but then to add a molt on might be even harder. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Wendy

 

[Percheron chick]

Turn the light off. I don't see how 24 hours of light is healthy for any animal. If they do quit laying or go into a molt, so be it. That's what their bodies have needed. I'd rather they have a rest period throughout their laying life than to be burned out by 2.

 

[fasschicks]

Yeah, I totally agree that I will not use any extra light for them. I would rather have them go through a molt. Since they are a year old, they will go through one this fall anyways.

I am just hoping after a few months they will start laying again. Any other thoughts out there? I was just afraid they wouldn't stay laying again. Thanks.

Wendy

 

[Percheron chick]

They won't quit laying for good. Think about it. X battery hens that are on 20+ hours of light adjust just fine. I would suspect that they would stop or slow down at first but that is going to be due to the stress of moving not the reduction of light. They might go down for 1-2 weeks.

 

[fasschicks]

I am so glad to hear that. I am not to familiar with battery hens, so didn't know. I just want them to adjust well. He raised them in a barn in breeding pens, so they didn't ever go outside. This is quite a change for them. They seem very healthy and the breeder looked like he took good care of them, but all of this is new territory for them. Thanks for the advise.

Wendy

 

[aart]

Geezz 24 hours light, why would they do that?! Did he explain his reasoning?

Just the change in environment will probably stress them and they may not lay for a few days to a few weeks.
I will be curious to see if the reduced light throws them into a molt, I hope you post back here to record your findings.


Got my first flock(1 1/2 year olds) last fall and used extended light (~14 hours) thru the winter.

...I don't believe it shortens the number of years they lay, too many ova created at birth to do that....
BUT
....I am wondering if it postponed/inhibited their fall molt and now am paying for it with some molting and reduced egg production.

 

[fasschicks]

I will definitely report back on what happens. Thanks for the input.