Some chickens have stopped laying cold weather has come now what?

[maoriauctions]

I introduced 4 new hens recently which were laying they have now stopped, my main hen hasnt layed since nov, i also have some chicks from around that time when would they start to lay. Our daylight savings has finshed so we are now coming into winter months.

 

[d.k]

* Could be getting ready to molt. . . .

 

[maoriauctions]

Thanks for your reply, how long does a moult last and why do they do it

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I have heard hens will stop laying for a bit when they move, so that could explain the new girls.

 

[d.k]

* Depends on how hard they moult and what feathers they lose. They do it to take off "the old coat" of feathers and put on brand new ones.

 

[maoriauctions]

oh ok, i get it now thanks for that, hopfully they will start to lay soon, our eggs are really starting to get ultra expensive now

 

[groovimum]

I have the same problem I live in melton Vic and have 16 girls that are of laying age. Up to recently they were laying 10 eggs now on average I'm getting 3-6 eggs. They have begun the winter molt as there are feathers eveywhere. But that doesnt stop them eating. I still enjoy watching my chooks I hope they start laying more eggs soon.

 

[wynedot55]

some hens will stop laying due to stress.caused from being moved to a new home.that they arnt used to.an it may take them a month to start laying again.

 

[ibpboo]

When my chickens do their winter molt, they stop laying for a couple three months. They are 6 years old now. When they were younger they wouldn't stop laying for that long, just a couple weeks while they molted, but laid less often during winter. If it was a mild winter, they would start laying sooner. This winter was pretty cold so they didn't lay for about 3 months. My chickens are outside, they have a covered area, but not fully enclosed.