Will the laying continue?

[links_56]

Hello, I have 14 rhode island reds hens and a Rooster. They are 5 months old. I live in IL and the last few days have been some of the coldest this winter with -35 degrees and even colder windchill. I have an insulated coop with 2 heat lamps but it still was 10 degrees or so in the coop. Regardless of the temperature 3 days ago 1 or 2 hens started laying I found 4 eggs in 2 days and today nothing. I was so excited and I was just wondering if they will continue to lay or if its gonna stop. Let me know what you think. Thanks Justin.

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC!!

I think that they will keep laying, although new layers often lay sporadically until they work out all the kinks!

Cindy

 

[Portia]

They are rather inconsistent when they begin to lay, but you should continue to have at least some eggs. But don't be discouraged by the zero egg days. I have 12 hens laying right now and with the temps around zero I get only 5-7 eggs a day. When it warms up I may get as many as 12. I don't extend their daylight hours and they are free range and exposed to the elements during the day.
Good luck and

 

[cmom]

I have RIR's. If they have just started laying it may be sporadic at first. Give them some time for their bodies to adjust to laying. Mine are great layers.

 

[links_56]

Thank you so much. I was so worried that they might stop. Thanks again, Justin.