ecwdavis
Songster
- May 27, 2019
- 36
- 85
- 100
Hello all.
My flock is small, was 3 - two black sex links and the Australorp.
The 2 Sex links began laying last Christmas and I thought the Australorp was as well... then, one of the Sex Links died in July, and it became apparent the Sex Link remIning was the only one laying.
The Australorp became broody around April, so I separated her, for a week and that seemed to cure that... but still no eggs from her.
Now I only have the two, I have also noriced the Australorp acts a bit rooster -ish, she stands guard while the other one eats, has very erect tail feathers, and appears to be protective if I touch the other chicken.
She has not laid any eggs, yet, but, has nipped the ends of the feathers on her back, and pulled out the feathers between her legs, I put chicken specs on the Sex Link because I thought she was attacking the Australorp - but the feather chewing continued, so I concluded the Australorp was doing it to herself.
I have been feeding extra proteine and they have free access to calcium, and layer feed.
They also get 2 - 4 hours a day free ranging.
She seems healthy and active, good color on her comb wattles and eats well, although she is not as chunky as the other chicken. I have de wormed them, and have not seen any sign of parasites, the dust bathed regularly when it was hot, but I have not seen that activity now it is cooling down.
Are there some chickens that just don't lay - infertile, hormones unbalanced etc?
I don't really know what else to do for her, she is not egg bound, and her crop seems to be ok, there do not seem to be signs of illness. injury or any mental issues.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing?
My flock is small, was 3 - two black sex links and the Australorp.
The 2 Sex links began laying last Christmas and I thought the Australorp was as well... then, one of the Sex Links died in July, and it became apparent the Sex Link remIning was the only one laying.
The Australorp became broody around April, so I separated her, for a week and that seemed to cure that... but still no eggs from her.
Now I only have the two, I have also noriced the Australorp acts a bit rooster -ish, she stands guard while the other one eats, has very erect tail feathers, and appears to be protective if I touch the other chicken.
She has not laid any eggs, yet, but, has nipped the ends of the feathers on her back, and pulled out the feathers between her legs, I put chicken specs on the Sex Link because I thought she was attacking the Australorp - but the feather chewing continued, so I concluded the Australorp was doing it to herself.
I have been feeding extra proteine and they have free access to calcium, and layer feed.
They also get 2 - 4 hours a day free ranging.
She seems healthy and active, good color on her comb wattles and eats well, although she is not as chunky as the other chicken. I have de wormed them, and have not seen any sign of parasites, the dust bathed regularly when it was hot, but I have not seen that activity now it is cooling down.
Are there some chickens that just don't lay - infertile, hormones unbalanced etc?
I don't really know what else to do for her, she is not egg bound, and her crop seems to be ok, there do not seem to be signs of illness. injury or any mental issues.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing?