The high level of calcium in layer feed is for daily eggshell production and when they aren't making eggshells, it must be eliminated through the urinary system.
You are diluting the calcium with the other foods and your nonlaying birds are probably not too much over their needs. At least, they are no longer chicks. It doesn't seem possible that they aren't getting enuf protein to mature and lay well since your other birds are doing fine.
I've never had a laying hen that didn't have a bright red face. Here's a graphic from the University of Florida on determining productive layers (and no, you don't need to pull off all their feathers to do the measurements
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. . . hope it helps. My guess is that failing outdoor light is having an effect and they may not do quite as well at the feed trough as the other birds. Still, showing them a sharp ax with a little talk about paying room and board might be helpful about now . . .
Here's wishing you the best of luck with them.
Steve
You are diluting the calcium with the other foods and your nonlaying birds are probably not too much over their needs. At least, they are no longer chicks. It doesn't seem possible that they aren't getting enuf protein to mature and lay well since your other birds are doing fine.
I've never had a laying hen that didn't have a bright red face. Here's a graphic from the University of Florida on determining productive layers (and no, you don't need to pull off all their feathers to do the measurements
. . . hope it helps. My guess is that failing outdoor light is having an effect and they may not do quite as well at the feed trough as the other birds. Still, showing them a sharp ax with a little talk about paying room and board might be helpful about now . . .
Here's wishing you the best of luck with them.
Steve
