chickens hardly laying

maeve27

In the Brooder
5 Years
Jul 28, 2014
16
0
24
Hi, I'm new here. My name is Maeve and I'm from Devon, UK. About 2 months ago I was given two 2.5 yr old warren type hens, lovely layers. Two large eggs a day for first few weeks and now practically nothing - like 1 standard size egg every two days! I have gone through the check lists and can't figure it out. Though fenced in, they have plenty of space and shade,. They have a nest box each, no red mite or health problems, been de-wormed..don't look like they're moulting, plenty or organic pellets and corn - more pellets than corn and a mix of treats from the kitchen, fresh water and I clean any poop out on an almost daily basis so they have fresh, clean bedding. I have checked for poisonous plants and other food stuffs They look to be happy, healthy hens. Have they just come to the end of their natural good lay ability? Have they been too hot the past few days? Could they be prepping to moult?
 
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Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. Your Warrens might slow down somewhat at 2.5 years, but they should not stop laying completely at that age. Also, when associated with moulting, hens don't usually stop laying until after they have begun the molt. It is the energy needed to produce new feathers on a large scale instead of eggs that causes the laying to stop. Good luck with your flock and your kids. High temperatures might explain it. Also, it's possible that they are both broody. It's not common with Red Sex Link hens like Warrens, but it could happen. Is it possible that they or something else might be eating their eggs? You might try posting this on our Emergencies, Diseases, Injuries, and Cures section at https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures, and see if anyone there has an explanation that has not been covered. Good luck in getting eggs again.
 
Welcome to BYC
frow.gif
Glad you joined us! Your hens may be slowing down to molt, but there are other possible causes that are not obvious like changes in weather, egg thieves, stress... I've compiled a list of the most common causes of non-laying here, to help figure out the causes:


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/why-are-my-hens-not-laying

Hope they pick up with paying the rent again soon!
 
Welcome to BYC
frow.gif
Glad you joined us! Your hens may be slowing down to molt, but there are other possible causes that are not obvious like changes in weather, egg thieves, stress... I've compiled a list of the most common causes of non-laying here, to help figure out the causes:


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/why-are-my-hens-not-laying

Hope they pick up with paying the rent again soon!
Thanks for this..I may be overfeeding them scraps! They are a bit pampered :O
 
Hi, welcome to BYC. Are your girls getting enough protein. Organic pellets doesn't always mean they are high enough protein levels. I give my girls a feed with 17% protein. When they aren't having other problems (because every coop is a soap opera) my girls give me an egg each every day, only having a day off every month or two, and this has been since I've given them higher protein.
 
Thank you. I have been wondering that the past few days. What is good, cheap and organic protein for them?
 
Chooks are omnivores, they will eat most things we do. If you are a meat eater they will eat any meat scraps, mine clean up the bones from a lamb or beef roast (no chicken of course). Alternately you could give them insects, like meal worms, crickets etc. There are some learning pages and forum pages here on BYC by people growing their own insects to feed their chickens. Sorry I don't have any references but perhaps someone else here could help or just do a search.
Mine also free range in the garden and I have a compost heap they are always digging over for worms and bugs.
Also your feed pellets should list on the bag what level of protein is in them so you will know how much they are getting from the pellets.
 
Thanks. I was told not to give my meat. The lady who I inherited them from had spoken to DEFRA - the UK farming standards agency and she was told that by them..which didn't make much sense to me as they eat worms and bugs. I'm not sure but that may have been if they were to sell on??
 
I think that is a UK thing. I seem to remember somewhere reading about not being able to give chickens meat scraps there. I'm in Australia so can't say I took that much notice. It must be to do with some sort of health issue that occurred.
Mine love meat. I'm sure if I died in the backyard they would eat me!
 

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