Chickens not Laying in Florida

[Nava]

Quote:
if you got them in march and they have been in the coop the whole time they should be fine, when you let them out to they will know where to go back to when it's time to go to bed, mine come in right before it gets dark and all I have to do is lock up the coop.

I don't think that they will leave. but don't worry they will start to lay again soon

 

[blazensasha]

I have 10 that up until the start of summer were laying fine,now we have moult,hot weather and a rat snake or two.toss in an egg eater hen I was down to 3 or 4 eggs a day.Now I'm to 6,it will improve be patient.

 

[welasharon]

Mine have slowed down a lot. THey are molting like mad. Most chickens naturally need a molting/resting time...esp those not know for production. I got one egg yesterday from 13 hens. Most of them look like something chewed on them and spat them out.
sharon

 

[seminolewind]

18 hens and 2-3 eggs per day. First the heat, now everyone's molting. I should cut out the scratch as well.

Maybe I can't expect alot of eggs, tho.
5 Polish
3- four year old JG's
3- year old JG's
1 Ameraucana (doesn't lay)
1 Barred Rock
3 Faverolles
2 EE's-3 years old

So, I have 5 that are not known for laying qualities
3 older birds
1 doesn't lay
A bunch that are molting.
I guess I won't be having egg salad for a while

 

[welasharon]

That's my problem as well. I have lots of polish, seramas, silkies....actually the only one laying with regularitly right now is the o shamo. I think I'll go ahead and worm them while I am not getting eggs anyway.
sharon

 

[seminolewind]

Sharon, my thoughts exactly! Worm and dust!

 

[chick-in-florida]

worming always helps when our production slows down.
also, don't be afraid to free range. let them out an hour or two before sundown. after all this time in their coop they will just march right back in at bedtime.

 

[kizanne]

you said you are giving them corn. How much because while treats and scratch can help them socialize and not get bored it can also effect their nutrition.

I let mine out about 2 hours before sunset and they put themselves back in the coop but I don't think that is the problem, many of caged hens lay eggs including yours.

The person above mentioned worms, that could be it as it depletes nutrition and lowers their overall health. Check their poop.

I only give my chicks about 1 oz of scratch per chicken at most and it is mostly intact wheat with a tiny bit of corn. My feed is 17% protein so a little higher than some of the 15% and 16% feeds and I know they eat bugs in the yard during free time.