changed food and now chickens arent laying eggs

[danahud]

This week I switched feeds and began fermenting it. Also began growing fodder for the girls. Thought they would like all of this healthy stuff, but now they aren't laying any eggs! Could it be the feed or should I be delving further into the problem?

 

[cstronks]

It could be the feed. Chickens are very acute to changes in their environment, and no egg-laying is usually an indication of stress. This isn't the normal time for a molt, so this could be from the feed. How did you implement it? Did you just stop giving the old feed and begin serving the new feed? Does that feed have the proper nutrition, or should supplements like calcium/oyster shell be provided? What I would recommend...go back to the old feed and see if they start laying. Then gently phase in the new feed. Offer both...begin mixing the old feed with the new, and then gradually offer only the new feed. This is more of a seamless transition that should help the birds get used to it. When I switched from crumbles to pellets, I did it in this fashion (granted the recipes were the same), and the birds didn't notice a thing.

 

[danahud]

and if i just continued to feed those stubborn birds this feed?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

They'll get used to it and eventually start laying again

I like using fermented feed, theres almost zero waste and the birds really seem to love it once they get used to it. It took mine a while to work up the nerve to try the sprouts too. I would just sprinkle a little of their dry feed on top if the FF and once they tasted it they'd devour it. Good luck

 

[danahud]

MY birds immediately took to the fermented feed and the sprouts. They at least act like they like it, so I'm not sure why it would still cause them to stop laying. Crazy Chickens. Im still getting a couple eggs a day, but the week before I changed over all 7 of them were laying daily.

 

[danahud]

Day 5 of Fermented Feed and fodder.... I got 4 eggs... That's better than none. Maybe the chickens have decided call off their strike. They should be very happy since I scored a ton of free produce from our local grocer!

 

[cstronks]

Glad to hear your chickens got back into gear and are laying again!

 

[danahud]

0 today. Might be time for us to have a "sit down conversation."

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

If it makes you feel any better, I'm not getting any eggs either. Some of my girls have gone broody, but my remaining layers stopped about a week ago when they'd been going pretty strong. We're having some very wonky weather, so I'm guessing it might be messing with them.

I haven't given them a stern talking to yet Hang in there!

 

[danahud]

our weather has been weird here as well. went from 70's to 18 at night in a matter of 2 days!