Whose theory is right? *battle of the sexes*

[frankenchick]

Our 1 y/o hens had a major slow-down at the end of summer -- 1-2 eggs/day, down from 4-6.

They've suddenly started laying again, 4-6 eggs/day. Were they resting (DH's theory), or does it have something to do with my pullets being 19 w/o (my theory)?

 

[KellyHM]

They were probably molting...

 

[BeckyLa]

Yeah, molting.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Molting, I'm still waiting on eggs from some of my hens that molted.

 

[Mahonri]

Molting..., resting..., yada, yada, yada...

 

[MissPrissy]

Your 1 yr old hens probably went through a light molt and stopped laying. Molting is a resting period. They regrow lost feathers and the internal egg making parts are resting and rejuvinating.

If you are getting eggs again now they could be laying again BUT it is also possible that the 19 week olds (depending on the breed) are beginning to lay now too.