1 egg from 40 birds...

[FreeRange Drulie]

Thanks for the suggestions. This forum brings me hope!

I like the idea of putting 10 or so in a separate run and trying different ideas people had. I'm pretty sure they are either spent or going through a molt.

They don't appear fat. Some maybe more then others. They ALWAYs seem hungry!

They seem happy and healthy. Maybe I could take a few to a neighbor and ask him to judge their health condition.

They also have a rooster in with them. I didn't mention it in the first post. But could he effect their condition. I know the hen:roo ratio is off, but I never considered it that critical.?

We also considered the idea of something else eating the eggs. And we had a live trap set for a long time filled with marshmellows and eggs. But we saw no action. I think the have the concept of the nesting boxes. every once in a while we find one in the grass. The majority are in boxes though.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Perhaps you have been the victim of sharp business practices. But I do agree with everyone else that you should make sure before you act on that thought.

 

[rancher hicks]

I don't remember whether you mentioned the breed. Is it possible that you got "production" hens. These would be more dependent on commercial layer feed to produce wouldn't they?
As for the beaks they should grow back though I don't know how long. As for the move. A month ago I purchased some Delawares and they've been laying since day one.
Unfortunately newer birds are bred for show quality rather than production. Read the new issue of BackYardPoultry. It has an excellent article on heritage breeds. Certain breeds make better "free rangers".
My personal advice and the experts can correct me if I'm wrong but It's very important to read about specific breeds before getting chickens. Every breed does not fit every area of the country. Some do better in the hot areas and some do better in the cold.
All chickens are not created equal.
See now I'm a hot area rooster in a cold area place. I hate the snow and I don't produce well when it's cold out.
Oh and one other thing. If their beaks were trimmed they most likely were "inside" birds as there's no reason to clip the beaks otherwise. They may not be good "free rangers".