No eggs from our marans

[Madsometimes]

We have two maran chickens which went into moult 6 weeks ago and stopped laying. They have not laid since. I am wondering if this is because the light is now decreasing. Is it likely that we will not have any eggs until next Spring? They seem healthy enough otherwise.

It sounds likely.
Hens do stop laying when they're moulting, and can be slow to get back into it.

Cat food is recommended to up their protein levels.

Thanks for that pickledbabe. Their eggs are lovely when they produce. Looks like we will need to keep buying eggs from the supermarket, and perhaps add some cat food to the trolley too!

(or buy more chooks! [hgrin] )

You can give them poultry spice-mix with pellets, and apple cider vinegar in their water(one week in four) to give them a boost. I don't like giving mine meat but thats personal preference. They may start laying again, mine did in their first year but I currently have 2 not laying. Perhaps you should get a couple more!

They have worked hard and now are having their winter rest, ready to get going after Valentine's day.
I have three laying currently, although two are hybrids. One of my hybrids has gone through a moult and not stopped laying, poor dear, wish she would have a little rest. My legbar is a reliable little thing too.

My three new purebreeds have all the signs of being ready to lay - but will only do it when they're ready.

The big plump cochin is doing it right. Bit of a moult, no eggs, having a break. Bless her princess highness!

Was going to say same - mine all stop now and start again mid feb. My Maran is always a bit hit and miss to, she'll lay an egg every other day and then have a few days off.

Our Maran is rubbish. Goes broody easily (takes WEEKS off for that) and stopped laying in Sept - the earliest yet for the winter break. Useless hen - pretty eggs when she coughs up the goods though, with massive yolks. Light Sussex are pretty reliable and brown hens are boring but lay and lay...