2 hens no eggs-looking for advice

[ChiefSuperFly]

I have a Brahma (Floggy) and an Orpington (Big Mama). Floggy say and hatched and her chick is maybe 2 months old maybe older I didn't mark my calendar since they were adopted in. She laid me 3 "golden eggs!" Aka dark or chocolate brown- the only one who gives me these. And now I get none! Big Mama sat and sat and another hen (rejoined for eating the entire nest!) stole the clutch. I have yet to get a single egg from her and this was months ago- I'll check my calendar to see exactly how long ago... we've had a bit of a cold spell and getting between 43 and 60 degrees at night. They get to free range every other day or every 3rd day. Plenty of laying pellets available. I don't understand I try not to let anyone out until noontime to make sure I get their goods.

My questions: is this normal? I thought chickens slowed down and not stopped (if it is the weather) ..
And I'm seeking advice on how to check if they are egg bound. I felt between their legs a little toward vent. I thought I maybe felt a little something in one and nothing in the other but I'm not even sure I'm feeling the right part. Also if anyone kind person can help direct me on how and the "cautions" I would be greatful! I had a pretty old hen get sour crop and I fear I hurt her during relieving her crop- I'm not sure I just want to do what I can to help. These are just hens for eating eggs (equally loved) and I wish I had someone local to teach me. They seem so tough to me-survived German shepherds! Anyways sorry for the long post and thank you in advance for guidance!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Plenty of hens will just stop laying for weeks or even months. If you hens are over 1 year of age they will quit laying to molt this time of year. They will resume early next spring.

Broody hens don't lay, nor do hens raising chicks, some can go for 5 months before they go back to laying though 2-3 months is the average.

If you want eggs you will be better off with some higher production birds like sex links or leghorns.

An egg bound hen will look sick and won't move around much. If your hens are acting fine than they generally are.

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

Thank you! I couldn't understand why she gave me 3 beautiful eggs and then none chicks are reared and no one is interested in sitting now. Our oldest are leghorns and yes buddy egg city! I don't know if I've seen or noticed molting but they don't act sick by any means. I'm glad you responded! I thought the longer they were (if) egg bound then they would start to display symptoms of some sort and eventually I would be too late to help. Are there any sure signs is about molt time? I've only seen a feather or two from these two "freeloaders"

 

[junebuggena]

Thank you! I couldn't understand why she gave me 3 beautiful eggs and then none chicks are reared and no one is interested in sitting now. Our oldest are leghorns and yes buddy egg city! I don't know if I've seen or noticed molting but they don't act sick by any means. I'm glad you responded! I thought the longer they were (if) egg bound then they would start to display symptoms of some sort and eventually I would be too late to help. Are there any sure signs is about molt time? I've only seen a feather or two from these two "freeloaders"

It takes about 3 to 4 weeks after a hen stops taking care of chicks for egg laying to resume. And not every hen will do a full, hard molt. Many molt in stages, very gradually, but just enough to halt egg production.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

You need more chickens, more chickens = more eggs

Gary

 

[MontanaChickDoc]

Any chance someone is eating the eggs? Snake or another chicken. That is my first thought when getting fewer than expected eggs and no sign of molting or sickness.

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

I don't have a camera set up to check on the egg eating but I'm a chick-aholic lol I'm out there often and haven't seen any signs of a snake. And as far as more chickens.... I've got 17+13 diddles+9 babies and then 7 guineas+11keets+2 very young keets... good for now lol

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

Just realized the title kinda implies I have 2 hens Just got two skipping on rent and they put away the feed!