When do Chooks go off the lay?

[Twodogs]

My two chooks have been really good layers ever since I got them about three years ago as chicks. But over the last month or so, since winter really kicked in, I've been lucky to get two or three a week.


Is this what usually happens? Is it winter, the chook's age or something else perhaps? They always lay in their hutch so it's not a crow or something taking the eggs.

[Rocco Jones]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

Your question amused me so I googled for an answer. Two things seem to support your situation.

1- They start going 'off the lay' when they are 2-3 years old.
2- It's seasonal and winter means less eggs.

Apparently after 3 years they are not worth keeping for eggs alone. I hope they are nice chickens.

I have been educated, now I am educationg. It's a cycle.

[LostDoggy]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

Mine are 6 months old. Was told the cross breeds like the two I have Isobrown and Astrolorp lay for about 2 years. I had a prue breed Sussex which was beautiful and they have different cycles. Unfortunately it passed away.

Time to make Huddo soup Carl.

[Twodogs]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

Your question amused me so I googled for an answer. Two things seem to support your situation.

1- They start going 'off the lay' when they are 2-3 years old.
2- It's seasonal and winter means less eggs.

Apparently after 3 years they are not worth keeping for eggs alone. I hope they are nice chickens.

I have been educated, now I am educationg. It's a cycle.

Cheers Rocco. That's what I thought too. They are primarily family pets with the added bonus of providing eggs) so they wont be going anywhere. They are lovely chooks.

BTW I love how you mispelled/typoed 'educationg'.

Mine are 6 months old. Was told the cross breeds like the two I have Isobrown and Astrolorp lay for about 2 years. I had a prue breed Sussex which was beautiful and they have different cycles. Unfortunately it passed away.

They are Rhode Island Reds. I have no idea whether or not that means they are cross breed.

Time to make Huddo soup Carl.

Are you kidding? Lucy would never speak to me again! She wants a canary for her birthday as it is. I've told her that caging birds is cruel.

[LostDoggy]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

They are Rhode Island Reds. I have no idea whether or not that means they

They are prue breeds. Lay for 5 years!

http://citychicks.com.au/products/451/

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

I got my first egg today after about 2 months!

[LostDoggy]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

The trouble with your chooks Carl is they think they are humans.

Do they still watch the footy and cricket with you?

[Twodogs]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

I got my first egg today after about 2 months!

I got one yesterday too. Problem is I have no idea whether it's Bazza or Huddo laying. Not that it really matters I guess.

The trouble with your chooks Carl is they think they are humans.

Do they still watch the footy and cricket with you?

Not anymore. I thought that the poor old dearly departed cat could crap but chooks have taken it to a whole new level. They are outside animals these days.

[LostDoggy]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

Not anymore. I thought that the poor old dearly departed cat could crap but chooks have taken it to a whole new level. They are outside animals these days.

Found what you need Carl. Chicken nappies!

http://citychicks.com.au/products/482/

[Twodogs]

Re: When do Chooks go off the lay?

Found what you need Carl. Chicken nappies!
http://citychicks.com.au/products/482/

Bugger! That's another of my ideas down the drain.