There is a possibility, that without added light, they might just wait until February to lay. I have a pullet, that I just don't think will lay until the days start getting longer.
A lot of people like to get chicks as early as possible in the spring, so that they are laying going into winter. Pullets tend to lay all winter the first year...but that can be deceptive too. A bird that is laying only 2-3 times a week is technically laying, but not at peak production. Whereas older birds won't lay at all.
However, a pullet that is not laying when the days get shorter - often won't lay till spring. For me here in SD, if they are not laying by October 15, I don't think they will. (but it depends on the bird).
If you can add lights, there is a trick to it, I don't know, as I don't have electricity to my coop, so must deal with loss of production.
Mrs K
A lot of people like to get chicks as early as possible in the spring, so that they are laying going into winter. Pullets tend to lay all winter the first year...but that can be deceptive too. A bird that is laying only 2-3 times a week is technically laying, but not at peak production. Whereas older birds won't lay at all.
However, a pullet that is not laying when the days get shorter - often won't lay till spring. For me here in SD, if they are not laying by October 15, I don't think they will. (but it depends on the bird).
If you can add lights, there is a trick to it, I don't know, as I don't have electricity to my coop, so must deal with loss of production.
Mrs K
