Hi, I have 9 chickens all 1-2 years old, (3 Australorps, 3 Barred Rock, and 3 Red Sex Link hybrids). I was getting 5 - 6 very large eggs a day fairly consistantly. While working on digging my septic system up 2-3 months ago, I accidently cut the power wire to my barn and lost lights. I repaired the wire outside but haven't connected it back into the feed line yet.
After this, egg production rapidly dropped from 5-6 a day to none. I notice lots of feathers in their coop. Could it just be coincidence or could the lack of extra light, especially at the start of Fall be causing the egg shortage and moulting? They seem happy and healthy otherwise.
I used to leave the dim light in their coop on pretty much 24/7. (I leave a brighter heat lamp on 24/7 in winter)
I have the wiring repaired but have not turned the light back on, how should I go about it, should it be turned on gradually increasing the length of time? I don't want to shock or stress them any more than they already have been.
Not enjoying buying eggs at the store again.... Any idea how long it should take before they re-adjust, stop moulting and start laying again?
Thanks
After this, egg production rapidly dropped from 5-6 a day to none. I notice lots of feathers in their coop. Could it just be coincidence or could the lack of extra light, especially at the start of Fall be causing the egg shortage and moulting? They seem happy and healthy otherwise.
I used to leave the dim light in their coop on pretty much 24/7. (I leave a brighter heat lamp on 24/7 in winter)
I have the wiring repaired but have not turned the light back on, how should I go about it, should it be turned on gradually increasing the length of time? I don't want to shock or stress them any more than they already have been.
Not enjoying buying eggs at the store again.... Any idea how long it should take before they re-adjust, stop moulting and start laying again?
Thanks