Morrigan, I have been making excuses for these girls for most of the summer: too hot, too rainy, moulting, snake-scares...
I have bought the "boosts" for their feed and something for their water!
I have seen a lot of cycles with my girls over the years, but NEVER one where so many stopped...
Well, I didn't want to totally rat on the girls, but they haven't been laying well for quite a while--hence, my zip-tie designation. Then the snakes would spook them and eat eggs. But they are still way behind expectations! (I know--Expectations lead to disappointments....!)
I always have black snakes in my coop during the summer. They have to be relocated, or they definitely will come back. I finally learned to keep a feed sack in the coop, so that i can catch/carry easier.
I agree and also question, though, why the girls have stopped laying significantly? In...
I'm glad I got back to this site, because this is my problem, too! I have never had to cull; it always happened naturally--old age, predators, sharing with a friend. But now I have 29 3-yr old mixed breed hens, who are rarely laying. I also have 10 new pullets who will start laying in a month...
I was on this site when I first got my chickens...maybe 18 years ago? Apparently, I had to re-register, because I haven't searched site in a while. But this is a GREAT place to have your questions answered, receive encouragement, and brag on your girls.
I live in Gastonia, NC, BTW, so I don't...