Noone is laying all of a sudden

[suenrob]

I know that egg production is down a little becuase its winter (even though I live in florida) But all of a sudden everyone stopped laying all together. I haven't had an egg in like 5 days! I also noticed that the whole chicken yard is covered in feathers. I am assuming they are molting.

So does the molting have anything to do with egg production? If so, how long does it usually last? I can/t even stand the thought of eating a store bought egg!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Yup, they won't lay when they molt. The only way to get around it is
to cull your layers after they are 1.5 years old and keep rotating new
birds in.

We keep light in our barn to extend the laying season. The girls layed
all winter last year but decided to moult this year, even with the light.
They need to moult anyways.

You should have eggs again in 3 months.

 

[suenrob]

3 MONTHS? are you serious!!!!!!!!!!!!?

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
That's just a guess for your area. Up here in CT my girls stopped
laying 2 months ago and aren't done molting yet. Only my young
hens (under 1.5 years) are laying now. My 15 older hens (almost
2 years) have all stopped. Even my silkies have stopped.

 

[dixiechick]

They're union chickens! On strike until every feather is accounted for!

 

[keeperofthehearth]

I have a mixed flock of mixed ages. That ensures a few always in production whether I have a broody or two not laying, a few molting either spring or fall, some older girls who just quit laying for the winter etc.

 

[Mahonri]

If I didn't have a mixed flock, I probably would be getting only 3 or 4 eggs at this point. I'll be glad when my older girls are done with their molt.

 

[luvmygirlsinAK]

I've read that some breeds will molt anywhere from 2 weeks, to several months, it really depends on the breed. Some of mine took a month, some 3 months, and some only 3 weeks. Some lose lots of feathers, some not very many. It is harder on some breeds. One thing I know though is that they need increased nutrition during these times.

 

[PurpleChicken]

We just lost one of our favorite Leghorns to a hard molt. It was rough
on her. She was just under 2 years old and the best bird.

Our RIRs are molting too but seem fine.

 

[suenrob]

Wow, sorry for your loss Purplechicken, I didn't realize they could die from a molt!!