Yesterday Red came into lay after a break of ten days. Storm is very vocal so may come back into lay soon. So far she has had a break of eighteen days.
Mango and Cloud have now started moulting. Last year after several broody bouts they started an early moult. Looking back it was at the end of June and beginning of July. This year it’s even earlier but I wonder if it’s because we have exceptionally hot weather for May.
Mango is more advanced than Cloud. She is also full of pins. It must be uncomfortable in this heat but I remember saying the same last year. At least they will get it over early. It may be the end of laying this year though giving them an even shorter season than usual.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Wow! Unbelievably early but, as you say, it might be to do with the heat wave. We’ve had a cooler day today, which is pleasanter for the girls; am hoping that the two in broody jail are out of it by tomorrow (only been in two nights) – if not, they’ll be straight back! Hope Storm comes back into lay and Red seems to be in a pattern of laying, broodiness, break – it’s good when they are predictable.
I know game girls have a short season but Mango and Cloud have only been laying for a couple of months. Maybe they will come back into lay later in the year, only time will tell. I thought Storm was coming back into lay today. She spent some time in the nest box and came out shouting. When I checked there was no egg. That probably means she will lay tomorrow. She always needs a bit of practice first. Snow is still broody despite being locked out apart from when the laying girls need to lay but hopefully she won’t be much longer. Popcorn has laid for the last three days, she is turning out to be a prolific layer.
The girls must hate this so hot weather, enough to put off laying .
That’s why I am shutting Snow out of the nest box. I really don’t want her sitting in there in this heat.
Really good performance from Popcorn!
She laid again today so four days in a row. That seems to be her pattern now four days then a days break then four again.
And Storm is back in lay after a long break of twenty days.