That's the shortest day of the year, after which the days get longer ; triggering that all important laying hormone.

Its all to do with daylight hours and after the shortest day on the 21st June, things should slowly improve.

Oops it pays to read all the thread before answering. I see that the answer is aleady there. Great minds think alike.

Ahh, I see, thanks people.

So I assume this will only apply to the chickens whose comb and wattle's have grown and turned red?

Thanks again.

Picture below is of the most mature chicken in my little flock. Can anyone comment on the comb and wattle development? Am I on the money, or too eager for eggs

Picture below is of the most mature chicken in my little flock. Can anyone comment on the comb and wattle development? Am I on the money, or too eager for eggs

The second picture is of the flock, which seems to me that the other 3 are a fair way off laying?

I have eggs I have had an egg a day since Friday. 6 so far

Thanks for all the posts and well forecast by Ediedioh and Bluezbandit

Good news!! My youngsters just started laying too , and they hatched on December 11th last year.Thought I was going to have to wait until spring.

Yay! Are you hoarding them to admire and gaze at or are you eating them?

It's such a thrill to find that first egg! I never tire of it.

Russellau if your birds lay anything like the gorgeous big eggs my Australorp/Rhode Island cross is laying in her first fortnight you are in for a treat!

Congratulations!!! That is fantastic news.