Can Feed Affect Laying Issues?

[scollier]

Hi! We use Texas Natural Layer Pellets for our laying hens. We haven't had many issues, and prefer to use this no soy, non-gmo feed. However, since using the latest new bag (opened about 2 weeks ago), we have had 3 chickens stop laying; one looking kind of egg bound, another looking seriously egg bound, and the third looking normal. We are now averaging 4 eggs a day, where we had been averaging 7 (we have 9 laying hens).

Is it just coincidence that the three ladies all felt this way at the same time? Or could it be due to the latest bag of feed? It is a made here in TX, about 2 hours away from me. Should I contact the manufacturer? I'm concerned that this may result in chicken loss if we don't figure it out soon

 

[chickenlittle21]

Do you see any obvious problems in the feed such as mold or sogginess? Did the ingredients in the feed change? What are the chickens living conditions? Do you offer crushed oyster shells to your hens?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hi! We use Texas Natural Layer Pellets for our laying hens. We haven't had many issues, and prefer to use this no soy, non-gmo feed. However, since using the latest new bag (opened about 2 weeks ago), we have had 3 chickens stop laying; one looking kind of egg bound, another looking seriously egg bound, and the third looking normal. We are now averaging 4 eggs a day, where we had been averaging 7 (we have 9 laying hens).

Is it just coincidence that the three ladies all felt this way at the same time? Or could it be due to the latest bag of feed? It is a made here in TX, about 2 hours away from me. Should I contact the manufacturer? I'm concerned that this may result in chicken loss if we don't figure it out soon

Is it hot outside? High 80s and hotter can trigger hens to stop laying.

 

[free range possum]

Hi! We use Texas Natural Layer Pellets for our laying hens. We haven't had many issues, and prefer to use this no soy, non-gmo feed. However, since using the latest new bag (opened about 2 weeks ago), we have had 3 chickens stop laying; one looking kind of egg bound, another looking seriously egg bound, and the third looking normal. We are now averaging 4 eggs a day, where we had been averaging 7 (we have 9 laying hens).

Is it just coincidence that the three ladies all felt this way at the same time? Or could it be due to the latest bag of feed? It is a made here in TX, about 2 hours away from me. Should I contact the manufacturer? I'm concerned that this may result in chicken loss if we don't figure it out soon

Hello, I'm near Possum Kingdom, Tx. About 2 weeks ago is when the heat and humidity really started here. I asking from experience. Do the birds have enough space at night? It's pretty hot and they need to feel comfortable to rest. #2) they will not drink enough if the water is warm. See if moving the water, or adding a frozen 2ltr. bottle helps. But, I know that to utilize calcium, they have to have some sun (irony in Texas summer!) . It very well could be the feed because even very expensive feed companies change their feed mixture (especially the bulk filler) during the year based on what's available and cheaper. Do they get to free range? They can relieve border and get bugs and other green things they need that NO feed provides. I have a camping heavy tent stake I shove into red cabbage head and hang for mine to play with as its about 6 inches off floor and wobbles sorta like bobbing for apples. Bumble foot with hest stress can contribute to this but feed usually is a vitamin d or calcium deficiancy. The calcium , I noticed seems like they have "dry" looking feathers and don't seem to be grooming. Also, mites! At night turn the feathers back and you will see tiny red dots. I have found that here, the heat and lack of fresh greens affect my birds more than anything..but I do ad vinegar to the water and we have a 3" pvc pipe w/nipples we can ad the ice, oregano tea and vinegar. I also ferment my feed this time of year to ensure moisture. If they persist, you can boil and crumble some eggs and ad wormer. Feel free to tell me how the ladies are doing. It's hot, and going to get hotter. I personally rely on my ducks for eggs, they layhot/cold and have less health issues..and eat lots of flies and skeeters without destroying my garden. Thanks Possum

 

[scollier]

Do you see any obvious problems in the feed such as mold or sogginess? Did the ingredients in the feed change? What are the chickens living conditions? Do you offer crushed oyster shells to your hens?

We have seen know mold or sogginess. The label on the feed looks the same, but I did call the manufacturer and left a message. I do offer oyster shell in their run, and the chickens eat it.

 

[scollier]

Hello, I'm near Possum Kingdom, Tx. About 2 weeks ago is when the heat and humidity really started here. I asking from experience. Do the birds have enough space at night? It's pretty hot and they need to feel comfortable to rest. #2) they will not drink enough if the water is warm. See if moving the water, or adding a frozen 2ltr. bottle helps. But, I know that to utilize calcium, they have to have some sun (irony in Texas summer!) . It very well could be the feed because even very expensive feed companies change their feed mixture (especially the bulk filler) during the year based on what's available and cheaper. Do they get to free range? They can relieve border and get bugs and other green things they need that NO feed provides. I have a camping heavy tent stake I shove into red cabbage head and hang for mine to play with as its about 6 inches off floor and wobbles sorta like bobbing for apples. Bumble foot with hest stress can contribute to this but feed usually is a vitamin d or calcium deficiancy. The calcium , I noticed seems like they have "dry" looking feathers and don't seem to be grooming. Also, mites! At night turn the feathers back and you will see tiny red dots. I have found that here, the heat and lack of fresh greens affect my birds more than anything..but I do ad vinegar to the water and we have a 3" pvc pipe w/nipples we can ad the ice, oregano tea and vinegar. I also ferment my feed this time of year to ensure moisture. If they persist, you can boil and crumble some eggs and ad wormer. Feel free to tell me how the ladies are doing. It's hot, and going to get hotter. I personally rely on my ducks for eggs, they layhot/cold and have less health issues..and eat lots of flies and skeeters without destroying my garden. Thanks Possum

We've had chickens for 3 years, and this is the first time we've had a problem with these three girls at the same time. One looks uncomfortable and possibly egg bound, another was looking that way a week ago, but is improving.
Thank you for your guidance. We do change the water frequently throughout the day.

 

[scollier]

Is it hot outside? High 80s and hotter can trigger hens to stop laying.

Yes, we discovered that to be the case for the third chicken. It is hot, and we know production will be down, but that hasn't ever caused these chickens to look egg bound droopy before.