Welsummers: How long a winter break will they take?

[Sunshine_Amy]

Hi everyone. I was going to get a Welsummer, but am reconsidering after reading mixed things about their winter laying. I know they're not a strong winter layer, but some degree of winter laying is important to me, and after reading someone say theirs didn't lay for 5 months in the winter, I'm not sure what to expect.

So I ask: how long of a break does your Welsummer usually take in natural lighting conditions? Please also let me know if your coop gets good daylight, and roughly where you live, if you'd be so kind.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have one Welsummer hen, about 4 years old now. She did take a long winter break,, and last month restarted. and now taking a Spring vacation.
My suggestion to you,, have an assortment of chickens. Sexlinks, are production hens. White leghorns are excellent layers during winter as well. The thing with these,, is their lifespan is not long. The Heritage breeds are less eggs per year,, but they lay many more years.
I only keep chickens as pets, but do like to get some eggs.. That is why I suggested a VARIETY ASSORTMENT.
My Welsummer lays brown speckled eggs.
I live in approximate similar latitude as you,, (Chicago metro) so same daylight amounts.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Sunshine_Amy]

Thank you for the reply, it’s helpful to know about her March start up time.

I have a few more questions for you if you’d be so kind. Is waiting until March to start up again typical for her? What month/s has she stopped laying and gone into molt? Would you say she has a very bright natural light coop and run situation, or more of an average natural light situation?

As far as breeds, I do have an assortment, of entirely heritage breeds that I anticipate will give me something for eggs in the winter; not the same as summer, I know, but between them a reasonable amount, even in natural light. I had a lot of other requirements for my birds: not bullying more timid birds, and some being cuddlers for my kids, and a nice egg color range, among them. I’ve read great things about the Welsummer personality, and would love that medium dark a color, I’m just trying to get a more clear sense of what her potential is as a layer in the darker season. We are all winter egg eaters in our household, and I’m hoping to minimize the summer/winter egg difference in our household production.

 

[cavemanrich]

Consider adding a couple of the White leghorns as a winter supplier. They are not the cuddliest chickens, and somewhat flighty,,,,, but not mean or dominant.
I have had my Welsummer for only 2 winters now. (I got her grown) She stopped laying in late Autumn, and did not resume until Spring. I do not keep records, but guessing she took a 4 month vacation.
I also wanted to mention, since I just keep a small flock of pets,,,.. During Winter cold, I provide them with winter housing inside my garage pigeon loft. I currently do not have pigeons, so the chickens get the complete loft to themselves. The temperature inside garage is not very cold, but if temps drop really low overnight, I do heat garage with a wood stove. Only try to make temp inside garage about 32°F or near this. I also provide light on a timer for 12 hours daily.
All winter long, despite having 12 hours of light, my pet chickens did not lay many eggs. When Spring approached, and temps raised, (inside garage as well) laying resumed. I then took the hens into their outdoor housing.
My winter housing arrangement is convenient for me. Don't have to deal with snowed in coop/run. Also don't deal with making sure chickens are all in at dusk. It gets dark before peeps return from work on normal winter short day.
My Chickens have dry housing with plenty of feed and liquid water, just no outdoor fun. (there is plenty of room for them, they are not crowded)
My outdoor coop is just average light amount. I keep LIGHT DUTY tarps overhead to keep run dry.
Did I get everything answered??

 

[Sunshine_Amy]

Consider adding a couple of the White leghorns as a winter supplier. They are not the cuddliest chickens, and somewhat flighty,,,,, but not mean or dominant.
I have had my Welsummer for only 2 winters now. (I got her grown) She stopped laying in late Autumn, and did not resume until Spring. I do not keep records, but guessing she took a 4 month vacation.
I also wanted to mention, since I just keep a small flock of pets,,,.. During Winter cold, I provide them with winter housing inside my garage pigeon loft. I currently do not have pigeons, so the chickens get the complete loft to themselves. The temperature inside garage is not very cold, but if temps drop really low overnight, I do heat garage with a wood stove. Only try to make temp inside garage about 32°F or near this. I also provide light on a timer for 12 hours daily.
All winter long, despite having 12 hours of light, my pet chickens did not lay many eggs. When Spring approached, and temps raised, (inside garage as well) laying resumed. I then took the hens into their outdoor housing.
My winter housing arrangement is convenient for me. Don't have to deal with snowed in coop/run. Also don't deal with making sure chickens are all in at dusk. It gets dark before peeps return from work on normal winter short day.
My Chickens have dry housing with plenty of feed and liquid water, just no outdoor fun. (there is plenty of room for them, they are not crowded)
My outdoor coop is just average light amount. I keep LIGHT DUTY tarps overhead to keep run dry.
Did I get everything answered??

Yes! That's helpful information for me, and you've hit the main points perfectly. Thanks so much for the detailed response! This is very helpful for reference as I consider the breed.

Thanks for the suggestion on a Leghorn. I considered it, but I'll take a closer look.