[peter rooster]

Hi

Disaster no eggs since early October Mother hen getting old  :unsure:but the three girls only 18/20 months old marrans so should lay for a while yet. Last winter they dropped off but did not stop lost brown egg layer in the summer RIP . Rats under control  :blink:fresh greens available warm and dry house. WHAT TO DO

Peter

[helens-hens]

The 18-20 month old hens are in their second winter and it is my understanding that there can be quite a reduction in laying with the 2nd winter so maybe this is to be expected.

I haven't had eggs from my 2 (apart from a softie and that is another story!) for a week now, I have 2 left in the fridge & I am thinking this will be the first time I have had to buy eggs since April 2010 when I first got them!

As long as your hens appear otherwise healthy I wouldn't worry, I am sure they will start again when the days get a bit longer (yesterday was winter solstice so very little daylight at the moment).

[Tony H]

Hi i have 16 chucks some older than others my younger ones havent laid yet but at this time of year it hit and miss i only collect 5/6 eggs a day at the moment so i wouldnt worry until spring time  :blink:

[Sassy]

They should start to lay again early next year. It is all quite normal.

[peter rooster]

I just hate buying supermarket eggs not the same as my own. Could worming them make them stop laying?

Peter

[viettaclark]

I have 6 hens now. One is in moult, one is broody and the others are only laying every other day so only 2 eggs a day! It was a shock to have to buy eggs last week!
However, the days are now starting to get longer. Hens need a good amount of day-light hours to lay properly so they should start a regular supply again in a month or two.

[peter rooster]

Hi Happy X Mass I would love two eggs a day one would be good none since October!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DippyChick]

My understanding is that they need 12 hours of daylight to be in full lay - unless they are moulting, broody, etc etc etc. The hens only have a certain number of eggs in their bodies so having a break in their laying will just give their systems a bit of a rest and they should lay for a while longer before they hit henopause.

Having said that I can't wait to find some nice fresh eggs in the nest box - had to buy some shop eggs last week ... they aren't as good as my hens' eggs and the yolks aren't nearly as golden

Roll on spring!!!