Will My Hens Lay in Winter?

[Devyn Nagy]

I have 6 19 week old hens. I know they should be laying pretty soon, but as it's getting to be winter, I'm just wondering if they're going to start laying despite the cold and shorter days or if they'll wait till next spring.

Thanks!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

They will most likely wait until the spring time to start laying although it also does depend on your location and weather. I'm in California and my hens started to lay in the beginning of January. But since you are in Michigan then your hens will probably wait until the spring time

 

[Flockincrazy]

They will probably wait till spring but you may have some impatient ones that will start when ever they want cold weather or not

 

[Percheron chick]

Can depend on the breed. Heavier late bloomers will probably wait. I've had smaller bodied June pullets start right after Christmas.

 

[drinkoj]

You folks are not making happy right now saying they'll wait till Spring to first lay, as I'm at the same timeframe with Leghorns and ISA Browns, but located in South Carolina where it is still in the 70s and 50s at night

 

[FarmerGirl101]

You folks are not making happy right now saying they'll wait till Spring to first lay, as I'm at the same timeframe with Leghorns and ISA Browns, but located in South Carolina where it is still in the 70s and 50s at night

if I'm understanding your comment correctly. As long as you got your hens before August then they should be laying by late winter

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

My isa browns have always started laying when they turn 20-21 weeks, no matter the time of year. Ive had several "sets" & they have done so every time. Even november/december, when days are growing shortest. I purchased fifteen more isas june 29 this year. Expect them to start laying this november. My white leghorns have always taken a winter break, so u may have to wait til late winter/early spring for your leghorns to start. I am in far north texas. Idk if colder temps would cause the isas to wait.

 

[BDutch]

You folks are not making happy right now saying they'll wait till Spring to first lay, as I'm at the same timeframe with Leghorns and ISA Browns, but located in South Carolina where it is still in the 70s and 50s at night

It’s not the temp but the hours that count most. Pullets often start laying laying late winter or early spring. with > 12 hours sunlight. This counts for most breeds that are not laying hybrids.
Most older ladies take a brake in winter. How older they get , how longer the vreak, That’s why BY-farmers sometimes provide extra light in the coop/run.

What breed do you have?

 

[drinkoj]

It’s not the temp but the hours that count most. Pullets often start laying laying late winter or early spring. with > 12 hours sunlight. This counts for most breeds that are not laying hybrids.
Most older ladies take a brake in winter. How older they get , how longer the vreak, That’s why BY-farmers sometimes provide extra light in the coop/run.

What breed do you have?

They are in my signature.

 

[BDutch]

They are in my signature.

I don’t see you're signature on my mobile phone.