No eggs????

[prescott14]

I have adult chickens that were laying eggs no problem and have stopped completely. I also have younger chickens born at Easter and have not laid one egg! We have had a problem with a bobcat that has taken 5 chickens so I assume the adults are scared but how do I get them all to start laying??

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Are you sure the older ones aren't molting?

 

[barneveldrerman]

To help her over come an event like that you would need to give them a sense if comfort. It will take a while until they feel safe enough to lay eggs.

 

[prescott14]

That has never stopped them before, so I don't think that it is it.

 

[prescott14]

Another question, what are your thoughts anyone on using sand in your coop Vs pine shavings for the floor?

 

[buffmommy69]

I have sand in the coop and on the floor of the run and I love it! It is so much easier to clean (it's like a really big cat litter box).

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I've used pine shavings for 5 years it works fine, I've never used sand but I read a couple of bad things about it but since I've never used it I can't personally give you advice on it.
http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/07/the-real-scoop-on-using-sand-in-your.html

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sand is good if you clean it regularly and replenish it as needed, in colder climates it can be cold on the feet, in damp climates it can be hard to sift the poop, I use it in my turkey shed and scoop the droppings daily.

Your adult birds have probably stopped for the season to rest and molt, your younger ones it could be breed and make sure you're feeding them a higher protein ration, lower protein will slow down growth and they will not start laying until a bit later than most, which I personally do on purpose to get my hens more mature before they begin to lay.