Pullets start laying in freezing December!

[chickenannie]

I'm always amazed, but my spring and summer born chicks start laying in the middle of the coldest part of the winter (now). Woot!
Their start of lay MUST be more related to their age than the hours of daylight.

Also, how do you get people to like eating pullet eggs -- seems like they think there's something wrong with them.

 

[Marlinchaser]

I think the body is ready at a certain age, but will only lay every 14 hours so may only get a new egg every 2/3 days instead of daily, and if thier cycle is still adjusting when you might have got an egg every other day from a new pullet, you may only get 1 egg every 4 days since 2 days to get to the NO EGG, then 2 days to get to the real egg.

I have no problem getting the new eggs eaten the kids actually pick out the odd shaped ones to eat.

 

[TanksHill]

I have never had any problems eating pullet eggs. My kids love them. Just the perfect size.

Congrats on the eggs!!!

 

[chickenannie]

Quote:
maybe it's cuz i just woke up, but having a hard time following your math..

I think the gist is that they would have been laying more if the daylight hours were also in sync with their age?

 

[SewingDiva]

Well, our Australrop started to lay at 22 weeks (Dec 4th) and she has cranked out an egg a day every day since then. We're only getting 9 hours of dalylight at the moment in MA, and I don't use any supplemental light or heat in their coop.

However, we also have an EE and a BO that have not laid anything yet. The egg laying experience reminds me of potty training - they'll do it when they're ready, and there is not too much I can do to influence the process because its a very individual thing.

Phyllis

 

[Lee]

I know what you mean. I hardly got any eggs during November, then as if someone flipped a switch, not only the new pullets, but my older hens started laying. Standing in line for the nests. And I have plenty of nests. They just want the one that is occupied. LOL

 

[epona4]

Our Sussex just laid her first egg last Sunday and I found her 5th egg this morning! They are about the size of the medium eggs I buy in the store. Maybe a tad smaller.

The other two gals, BR banties, aren't doing anything yet. (other than inspecting the nest box.)

 

[chickorama]

Nothing wrong with pullet eggs. They are regular eggs, only smaller.

 

[MariposaMama]

Our hen Vanilla started laying in late October, laid an egg almost every day through mid-November, then quit completely and hasn't laid since. I did change them over from a white light to a red one in the middle of her laying, so I don't know if the light or lack of it made any difference.

We've eaten every egg she's laid, and although small, were perfectly formed and quite tasty. The kids have declared Vanilla's eggs the best they've ever eaten.

 

[speckledhen]

My Blue Orp pullet, Smoky, just laid her second egg today. Love those young ladies who lay through winter! The older girls are much more likely to take a break, I think.