What breeds stop laying in winter?

[crazyhen]

I don't have first hand knowledge, but all the books say that Brahma lay through winter and so does orpingtons. Someone lets us know if this is true. Jean

 

[hinkjc]

I can speak for orpingtons - if they go through their moult in early fall, they will resume laying during winter. Altho that also depends on their age. Some that moult in winter usually do not resume laying until early spring. I think it's more a matter of their age and their moult season. I will note that they don't typically lay daily, but they will produce eggs over winter unlike most breeds that shut down completely.

Jody

 

[cajunlizz]

well , I have about 80 pullets that are READY to start laying anytime , like 1 , 2 , 3 GO lol

Majority were babies early April and we are already in Oct. so do the math .


several different breeds .... RIR's , Austrolorps , barred rocks , bantams , Americanas , Game hens ,

Am I correct in assuming they should be close to laying ? AGE WISE ? majority are all RED FACED , red combed and wattles ..

If they are just starting to lay soon ( hopefully ) ( or they go in gumbo pot ) ,

should they lay thru the winter ?

 

[hinkjc]

Yeah, I would say those girls should go through winter laying (at least the RIR, Aussies, BRs and EEs). There are exceptions, but typically the first year they do really well.

Jody

 

[Andrew711]

I have Buff Orphingtons, white plymouth rocks, silver laced wyndottes and Aracauna Anericauna Chickens plus only a few mixed breed that were given to me. This has been the most terrible Winter in 30 years in VA. My chickens layed all Winter non stop. Many times when I went to sell eggs I was the only one to have any.. Question. My hens just suddnley stopped laying eggs. I only picked yo two today. They are showing signs of molt. Can anyone tell me about how long this no egg situation will last? Their coop is kept at 50 degreesf with two infrared lamps and a small electric heater. Please help. reply to [email protected] Thank You, Andy

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
A molt can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Each chicken is individual. I can't imagine keeping my coop that warm. This winter the lowest temp. I recorded in my coop was 14 degrees. Chickens have down jackets.

 

[perse]

Hi Ya'll

Question,

I have americaunas, frizzles, partridge rock, barred rock and a self-blue old english hen, and got my first eggs this week (sep 2010) from the americauna - will any of these breeds stop laying in the winter?

I live in NM, have cold winters, also does anyone have heaters for their chickens in the winter? Is this a stupid question?

Thanks in advance!


Also, how do I know which eggs are which?

I am a newbie, and just gettin started

 

[3chimama]

Doesn't it also depend on the amount of light they are getting in a day- at least 12 hours of light???

 

[pgpoultry]

As far as I understand,most chickens stop laying for a while in winter related to day length.

Hens usually continue to lay in the winter if it is their first year and they started to lay before the autumn (If they haven't started by autumn they often do not do so until the following spring.)

My Warrens (egg laying hybrids) are only off lay for about 4 or 5 weeks in the winter (usually in the deep and dark bit of December).

Living in Wales our temperatures don't get down to the extent of North America, but last year we had a very cold winter, and my chickens thrived down to -20 Celsius. (Make sure the coop isn't too draughty, old blanket over the top, plenty of chickens in the coop and plenty of food).

Sandie

 

[Lotsapaints]

If you want to make sure they keep laying thru winter you can use a CFL light on a timer 15-16 hours should be plenty so you save money chickens don't need much heat in the winter if you have a coop the right size for the amount of hens and its not damp. They need more feed and make sure they have plenty of water. Keep their house dry, waterers filled not frozen and plenty of food and they will give you eggs. I know some people live where it's really cold and might need heat but you know who you are many of us might just have freezing temps at night like me it can get 17 degrees but the daytime will get warm like 50 or 60. My hens have laid eggs without lights for their first year maybe slowed way down at Christmas time but by Feb were laying well again older hens take a longer break without lights. All depends on what you can do or will do to keep your chickens no real right or wrong.