Raising late season pullets?

[Intheswamp]

I'm not sure if I've got all of this correct or not but I'll post it so hopefully someone else can correct me...

I've read *somewhere* in one of the many chicken books that raising pullets as daylight hours begin to shorten can cause problems with the pullets maturing correctly. From what I recall, the pullet's reproductive system doesn't have enough time to develop properly before the shorter days trigger the pullet to start laying. The pullet will then beginning laying but with a less-than-optimum reproductive system and this early start will impact the pullet's production for the rest of it's life.

Anybody got any info or clarification on what I'm trying to describe?

Thanks!
Ed

 

[acid_chipmunk]

Once the days start to get shorter, I put a light in my coop to "extend" they daylight hours. This also helps them to continue laying in the winter.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Thanks for the feedback ac. I understand about using artificial light to extend the daylight hours, but I'm hoping to use natural lighting to allow for molting, etc.,. I'm shooting for a long life for the hens and hope to raise them up as healthy in all regards as possible so looking for thoughts and experience on raising late season chicks/pullets.

I'm thinking, though, that I will have to end up using lights to "mature" the pullets correctly. I'm looking forward to hearing from someone that has done this.

Ed