Laying Question

nekoatsume · Post by **nekoatsume** » Sat Oct 15, 2016 3:30 pm

If I purchased birds that were due to start laying.. But they're molting and of course it's fall - should I not expect eggs until spring?

Satellite · Post by **Satellite** » Sat Oct 15, 2016 3:52 pm

Someone feel free to correct me but if it is a first year hen (has never layed eggs before) she will not moult the same as those going into their second year of laying. She may still lay this year though I have found heritage breeds to be later layers...some up to 8 or 9 months old.

How old and what kind?

nekoatsume · Post by **nekoatsume** » Sat Oct 15, 2016 4:12 pm

Thank you - six months, gold laced Wyandottes. They have been molting for about a week, mild molt thus far, not sure how bad it gets.

Ontario Chick · Post by **Ontario Chick** » Sat Oct 15, 2016 4:59 pm

They will start laying any minute now, provided they have been getting enough day light, 12-14 hours should do it.
From my experience with Wyandottes which hatched this spring, they will start laying late fall 5,5 to 6month is about right, and if given supplemental light will lay right thru winter until next molt late summer or fall of next year.
Birds do go thru light molt at about 5 month, so probably what you are seeing now.