- Jul 19, 2014
- 24
- 1
- 24
So four or five days ago, our egg production decreased pretty significantly. I keep track, so I noticed right away. The first day, I thought it was weird. The second day, I started to get concerned. I have looked them over for any obvious signs of sickness, I have checked vents, I have checked for feathers and broody chickens... no clues whatsoever.
And then today I sat outside for a little while and observed. Our black sex link was actually pacing in front of and around the laying house, and when other hens went in to lay, she would go in and chase them out. One of my ameraucanas finally laid, but it was after being chased out at least twice and then walking around and going in through the back. Two of my best layers have given me nothing in days.
Has anyone ever had anything like this happen before?
Not sure if it could be related, but we found a snake curled in one of our nesting areas eating one of the eggs the day it started. We are pretty sure the snake is gone as my husband got it and relocated it and we have seen no other signs of it... plus my children are in there all the time looking for eggs and having "chicken meetings" (we're a little weird here).
Is it possible that our sex link is trying to protect the flock or their eggs? I sort of doubt it because I've watched an australorp slurp up a snake like a piece of spaghetti, so I tend to think they don't fear the snakes, but I honestly don't know. And the black sex link herself is in there trying to lay right now, so that makes the egg protection theory seem off.
Any ideas?
And then today I sat outside for a little while and observed. Our black sex link was actually pacing in front of and around the laying house, and when other hens went in to lay, she would go in and chase them out. One of my ameraucanas finally laid, but it was after being chased out at least twice and then walking around and going in through the back. Two of my best layers have given me nothing in days.
Has anyone ever had anything like this happen before?
Not sure if it could be related, but we found a snake curled in one of our nesting areas eating one of the eggs the day it started. We are pretty sure the snake is gone as my husband got it and relocated it and we have seen no other signs of it... plus my children are in there all the time looking for eggs and having "chicken meetings" (we're a little weird here).
Is it possible that our sex link is trying to protect the flock or their eggs? I sort of doubt it because I've watched an australorp slurp up a snake like a piece of spaghetti, so I tend to think they don't fear the snakes, but I honestly don't know. And the black sex link herself is in there trying to lay right now, so that makes the egg protection theory seem off.
Any ideas?
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