WHEN will my girls start laying?

[cluckmecoop7]

They were laying all summer. Are all almost 1 year old. I'm guessing they took a break for molting. WHEN will they start up again? It is winter, I'll admit. - but aren't they still supposed to lay a few eggs?

I have six.
Thanks!

P.S. - Buff Orps and GLW's if that helps...

 

[ChickNanny13]

Shorter days, less sunlight ... They need at least 14hrs of light to get their system going. If you want the eggs, you may want to hang a light in the coop. I don't mind the "rest" it gives their reproductive system but I know some don't. Also molting take alot out of them, producing the new feathers takes protein as does eggs producing. What are you feeding? You may want to up their protein intake.

I used to feed layer but few years ago switched to Flock Raiser (20%) from the start, after reading some threads, along with separate dish of grit. When they start laying, I add an extra dish of Oyster Shells. Haven't had any issues with egg laying nor shell quality, think it's even better than when I was using layer.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Shorter days, less sunlight ... They need at least 14hrs of light to get their system going. If you want the eggs, you may want to hang a light in the coop. I don't mind the "rest" it gives their reproductive system but I know some don't. Also molting take alot out of them, producing the new feathers takes protein as does eggs producing. What are you feeding? You may want to up their protein intake.

I used to feed layer but few years ago switched to Flock Raiser (20%) from the start, after reading some threads, along with separate dish of grit. When they start laying, I add an extra dish of Oyster Shells. Haven't had any issues with egg laying nor shell quality, think it's even better than when I was using layer.

I use Dumor layer pellets and scratch. I've been reading that scratch isn't really helping them stay healthy/lay eggs and I'm not sure yet what I'm gonna do. Should I switch from layer pellets to Flock Raiser?

 

[Peepsi]

It is winter, I'll admit. - but aren't they still supposed to lay a few eggs?

Buff Orps and GLW's if that helps...

Not necessarily. Some hens will stop altogether and take a break during the winter. Your breeds are dual-purpose heritage chickens (eggs & meat), meaning that they don't necessarily have the egg stamina that a Leghorn or Hybrid chicken might have (those are bred strictly for eggs, and are egg-laying dynamos). So a Leghorn or Red sex-link or Gold Comet might lay into the winter, but heavy dual-purpose breeds will often take a break.

I think they'll start up in February or March. The daylight hours should be long enough then. Or, as others said, you can always hang lights in your coop to fool the chickens into laying, but personally, I'd rather give mine a break.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Scratch doesn't contain all the nutritional good stuff they need, it's more a treat. Treats should not be more than 10% for their intake. Dels/TSC switched from HomeGrown to Dumor years ago, did not like it at all ... Did read a few thread of others having the same comments. I found their poop way darker, softer, smelly & attracting flies .... Never did before. Layer is good but usually has only 16% protein and higher in calcium. That's why layer is not recommended until 18wk, it's said not to be good for developing chicks (liver/kidneys) and Roos. Going with Flock Raiser, All Purpose or Multi Purpose feed for chickens of all ages, cuts down on stage feeding and storage space.

I switched to FR because of the 20% protein, thinking helps with all the energy it takes to produce an egg and during molting. When they molt I do toss some MW and BOSS at close up, other than that I toss some scratch only cause I keep mine confined for their safety. It's your choice but you may find Kiki's chart interesting.

@Kiki has a Feed Comparison Chart .... https://www.backyardchickens.com/se...+Chart&t=ams_article&o=date&c[user][0]=371076

 

[aart]

Should I switch from layer pellets to Flock Raiser?

I would.
Then you can still give a bit of scratch...
...and not overload them with calcium when they are not laying.

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[Kiki]

I use Dumor layer pellets and scratch. I've been reading that scratch isn't really helping them stay healthy/lay eggs and I'm not sure yet what I'm gonna do. Should I switch from layer pellets to Flock Raiser?

Throw the scratch in the trash and feed them layer pellets only.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Alright guys, thanks for the advice. I think next time I buy feed I will get Flock Raiser.

 

[Kiki]

Alright guys, thanks for the advice. I think next time I buy feed I will get Flock Raiser.

If you get FR you cannot forget oyster shell too.