4 out of 5 chickens not laying currently - do I stop feeding them layer food?

[stevetone]

One thing that worked for us is to bring a large pot out to the coop to show the "slackers" what their destiny might be

(not joking. it did work, but I am sure it was just coincidence.)

 

[Choco Maran]

DO NOT switch feed. They need more protein in order to grow new feathers. I have added Claf Manna and D. Earth and it always works for me. Giving them D. Earth they start to grow feather back in a matter of days. And were feathered in about two weeks. Give them time. By adding extra light it will not shorten their life span just keep them laying .

 

[curiositykt]

DO NOT switch feed. They need more protein in order to grow new feathers. I have added Claf Manna and D. Earth and it always works for me. Giving them D. Earth they start to grow feather back in a matter of days. And were feathered in about two weeks. Give them time. By adding extra light it will not shorten their life span just keep them laying .

With the Diatomaceous earth, did you just sprinkle it on their bedding or do something more?

 

[curiositykt]

I am confused a bit. Are they all 33 weeks?
If so isn't it a bit early for any to molt?

Either way I would not switch feed. I agree that if a rooster can eat it and not have issues than so can hens that are of laying age even if they are not laying.

They are all 33 weeks. I have heard of some of them going through a mini molt at this point? the EE has been laying the longest (I think she started around 16 weeks) And her feathers are all over the coop, and the rest aren't.