Pekin Bantam not laying

[Maz154]

I have a little millefeuille Pekin who is not a year old yet. Got her when she was 16 weeks last spring. She laid a few eggs, not many, but I expect that from that breed. She hasn’t laid an egg in months. She also has had a big moult, which is fine, but i didn’t realise they moulted properly at such a young age? She seems fine in herself, very chatty - and she can sure put on a sprint when I call to say I have food. My other chickens lay daily - apart from 2 who have got baby chicks. Which leads me to my next question - at which point after having babies do they start laying again? One of my mummy chicks weaned her babies about 2 weeks ago and now avoids them as much as she can, to the extent they sleep in a different hen house because she obviously doesn’t want them near her. Which is fine. But when will she lay again? Before I gave her babies she would lay daily (she’s a foster mum, very broody, I took advantage and popped some newly hatched chicks under her)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located? If you are in the northern hemisphere most older chickens will stop laying to molt and recover. Most on average will resume between December and March.

 

[Maz154]

Yes I am in the UK. She stopped laying in summer, though, and she’s only young. I read their first moult is at 18 months. She started moulting at 8 months old.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes I am in the UK. She stopped laying in summer, though, and she’s only young. I read their first moult is at 18 months. She started moulting at 8 months old.

Is it a full molt which includes the wings and tail feathers or is just a partial molt which is generally around the neck and head, and wherever else they are missing feathers?

With the decreasing daylight most will slow or take breaks this time of year. Make sure also she hasn't made herself a secret hidden nest somewhere.

In general Pekin aren't a real big production breed. I'm sure they are a bit different than they are here in more than just name, perhaps they are more productive? Mine will lay for a bit than take a break for a month or even longer before starting back up.