[Planner]

A question for the group

My current flock, I have had for 12 - 18 months, I estimate they a about 2 years old. I have one white leghorn, 2 Welsummers and 3 Araucanas.
All stopped laying in late summer and went into a moult. Within the last month the Leghorn and one Araucaca has started laying again. All the birds are really looking healthy

I was wondering if introducing a cockerel for a couple of weeks would encourage the others back into lay. If so, what do I need to do in regards to the introduction of the cockerel

Thanks in advance

John

[bantam novice]

Hello there,

I am not an expert but my gut reaction would be that you can't just introduce a cockerel for a short space of time.  He would have to go through pecking order bullying and then go through the same two weeks later when he goes back to his original flock.

I also don't think that it would do much to encourage your hens back into lay.  They will start again in their own time.  If anything they may delay going into lay while they get used to the cockerel.

Others may have different opinions but my advice would be don't get a cockerel unless you mean to keep him permanently.

Good luck and keep us posted 

[joyfull]

having a cockerel will not make the slightest difference to when they come back into lay. Daylight hours does. We are now nearing 12 hours of daytime so they should come back into lay very soon.