Winter laying?

[Cha Cha Chicken]

Sooo..... my girls are due to start laying in feb/march, and I was wondering if they would actually start laying then or if they would wait until the warmer months...?

 

[JodyJo]

good question, I have 3 EE pullets at 24 weeks today...I am seeing the reddening of combs, and I am wondering the same thing myself....I guess we just watch and wait! I have heard sometimes they wait till warmer months...but then sometimes they go ahead and start laying...sorry I am not much help, but nobody really knows the answer since every chicken is different

 

[Janelschickenfarm]

Are you keeping a light on them for at least 12 hours a day? That'll help.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I've never found the temps to have much bearing, quite honestly. What DOES matter is the individual maturity of each individual. Also, as the days begin to lengthen during January and continues through February, the beginning pullets usually do quite well. Some folks like to supplement pre-dawn light for a few hours, especially if they live in the far north where winter days are horribly short. Last winter, our Golden Buffs came into lay in late January just fine, in sub-zero weather.

 

[01ChickenGranny]

My girlfriend here in Washington state got a late start on purchase of her chicks and hers started laying a couple of weeks ago. If they are due to start, say 18-22 weeks, you can start feeding layer food and they should start laying. I was really surprised that hers started laying this late in the season, however, she is getting more and more eggs each day. Good luck

 

[hispoptart]

From what I understand first year layers are not really affected buy the amount of light and so far mine have proven that true. The have actually increased production over the last month. But that may be do to the fact that they started in Aug.