Chickens past molting no eggs for over a month.

[cjpines]

Hi everyone,

I have six hens some age 3 some age 1 1/2. They all started molting at the same time. Now only one is molting. It's been over a month and the ones that are done molting are not laying eggs.

The food is the same, nothing different. I've given them extra protein and extra greens, They also get extra calcium. We feel silly buying eggs from Costco. They have always given us eggs.

Here in Calif the summer has been extremely hot. But we still got eggs. They started molting late August.

Any suggestions?

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would add light in the mornings to give them 14 hours of light. My light (in so cal) comes on at 4:00 am off at 8
I would get spring chicks and rotate out the 3 year olds next fall... if not all of them.

Gary

 

[cjpines]

I would add light in the mornings to give them 14 hours of light. My light (in so cal) comes on at 4:00 am off at 8
I would get spring chicks and rotate out the 3 year olds next fall... if not all of them.

Gary

Hey, that makes sense. We used to do this in winter, but didn't think to do it now. Thanks.

 

[cjpines]

Hey, that makes sense. We used to do this in winter, but didn't think to do it now. Thanks.

But who would want older chickens except to kill and eat, Hum!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

But who would want older chickens except to kill and eat, Hum!

That's a reason to get new chicks every year, then you can move them on while still good layers. Eventually they will most likely end up soup though.

Good luck.

Gary

 

[centrarchid]

Need to simulate photoperiod that is increasing and at least 12 hours with lights on. Younger bird more likely to respond to that. This time of year my hens rest.