3 out of 4 10 month old hens never started laying

[playfullife]

This is so helpful, thank you junebuggena! My chicken keeping friends and family were at a loss, and my books were no help.

So any feed with at least 18% protein, plus free choice oystershell, will do? Like Purina Flockraiser? Or do people have preferences for grower feed, game bird feed, etc?

Layer feed is formulated for those high egg producers, like Leghorns. Most breeds do much better on a multi-flock feed with more protein and less calcium. It's another bit of commercial chicken keeping that does not translate over to the average backyard flock keeper.

 

[Welshies]

This is so helpful, thank you junebuggena! My chicken keeping friends and family were at a loss, and my books were no help.

So any feed with at least 18% protein, plus free choice oystershell, will do? Like Purina Flockraiser? Or do people have preferences for grower feed, game bird feed, etc?

It's personal preference. Pellets vs crumbles- pelleted feeds have less waste. Flock raiser or all-flock feed is suitable for ducks and chickens. Grower works as well. Game bird feed is too high (26-30%)

 

[playfullife]

Thank you so much for this detailed and helpful response, Welshies! I'm looking at mixed flock raiser now. Hopefully the feed store will take back the bags of Purina Layena I just bought. Seems a waste not to use them, but so's raising chickens who don't lay!

I would wait until the days get longer- and change your diet. Layer feed is generally avoided by most folks on BYC, while others prefer it. It can lead to delayed development, liver failure, etc in non-laying birds (non laying birds include chicks, non laying hens, and roosters) because of the added calcium. It also tends to lack in the protein department. Chickens can survive on 14-16% protein, but they don't tend to thrive. 18-22% protein is a much better bet. I would suggest a grower, maintenance, or all-flock feed for your chickens, with a free choice side of oystershell.
You also never mentioned what breeds your chickens are. What are they?

Ah, sorry.

Junebuggena knows her stuff. Most people suggest layer feed, but the reality of it is, it's not the greatest things. Like bandaids versus true first aid.

 

[Welshies]

Thank you so much for this detailed and helpful response, Welshies! I'm looking at mixed flock raiser now. Hopefully the feed store will take back the bags of Purina Layena I just bought. Seems a waste not to use them, but so's raising chickens who don't lay!

You are so welcome! I am glad I could help.

 

[playfullife]

It's personal preference. Pellets vs crumbles- pelleted feeds have less waste. Flock raiser or all-flock feed is suitable for ducks and chickens. Grower works as well. Game bird feed is too high (26-30%)

This is great, thank you. So flock raiser or grower feed it is. What's the protein range I'm looking for? Minimum 18%, maximum...?

 

[Welshies]

This is great, thank you. So flock raiser or grower feed it is. What's the protein range I'm looking for? Minimum 18%, maximum...?

I'd say between 18 and 22 percent!

 

[playfullife]

Excellent, thanks!

And junebuggena had mentioned I'd probably drastically reduced their development with the layer feed - how long might it take for them to finish developing? Just want to make sure I know when to try something else if this doesn't work, though it sure sounds like it will!

 

[junebuggena]

Excellent, thanks!

And junebuggena had mentioned I'd probably drastically reduced their development with the layer feed - how long might it take for them to finish developing? Just want to make sure I know when to try something else if this doesn't work, though it sure sounds like it will!

The only thing you can really do at this point is give them the right nutrition that they need and wait for the days to get longer.

 

[playfullife]

Thank you, I'll do that! Off to the feed store for higher protein feed and oyster shell. Thank you for educating me and for your patience with my gaps in my knowledge.

The only thing you can really do at this point is give them the right nutrition that they need and wait for the days to get longer.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

One thing you didn't mention having out for them was grit. I assume you offer them grit as well? Its not going to effect development, and you should go with the advise you got from @Welshies and @junebuggena , I just wanted to make sure you gave them the non-soluble grit as well.