chickens no laying well

[ericmcginn5]

N have 16 chickens mixed breeds and ages an dc I'm getting 3 eggs a day no mites or disease they used to free range but not anymore think this is why? Have also caught them eatting there eggs how do I stop that if that's what it is

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding them? Sounds like maybe a protein deficiency. I recommend a good all flock or non medicated grower with oyster shells on the side, 18-20% protein ration is the best for optimal production. Without enough protein they will eat their eggs in an attempt to get more. Why did you stop free ranging?

 

[ericmcginn5]

Stoped free ranging becouse nab comlained. And I'm feeding dumor laying crumble

 

[enola]

Every time I have tried feeding Dumor feed to my hens, there has been a sharp decline in egg production...... just saying.....

 

[rebrascora]

How big is their run? They will most likely be a bit stressed if they are used to free ranging and now they are confined, especially if the area is not large. They will be bored too as they have been so used to pecking and scratching and exploring and that will lead to egg eating and possibly feather picking. You need to make their run as big and interesting as possible if they must be confined. I dig up sods of grass and weeds and dump them in the run for them to scratch through, for those of my hens that don't get to free range. They eat the green and scratch through the sod for bugs etc, Maybe think about sprouting grains and give them those. Hang up cabbages so they have to jump to eat them. Make perches and swings for them to hop up onto and reach the hung cabbage.... think chicken assault course and be inventive. If it's an earth floor, dig sections of it up each day in rota. Just a few spadefuls turned over each day will benefit the run and make them happy. I scatter layer pellets into the run when the ground is dry as well as a bit of mixed corn rather than just having it in a feeder. I give them fermented feed in a container and the dry stuff scattered. As long as you don't throw too much down, it all gets cleaned up.

It's sad that they have lost their free range though. Is it possible to improve your boundary with your neighbour so that they don't stray onto their land?

 

[ericmcginn5]

We our in the process repairing fence then they will be let out

 

[rebrascora]

That's good to hear.