Chickens stopped laying

[Gracie9205]

Everybody I know of has had a drop in egg production. Just that time of year. My birds are laying at less than half their normal rate.

 

[Derekwit]

These are my first birds, how long do they stay like this?

 

[Gracie9205]

It all depends! You can't really compare your flock to anyone else's. There are just too many variables! Weather, breed, diet, overall health, age of flock, daylight hours, etc. all play a factor.

You could also have egg eaters (VERY BAD! They will teach the whole flock in a matter of days, but you with that many birds you should be able to catch them in the act.) Rat snakes also like to take up residence if there is a food source (your eggs).

Best advice is make sure they are parasite free and have a good diet. Keep an eye open to make sure nothing is getting your eggs, and the rest will work itself out!

 

[Derekwit]

Thanks for all the help!!

 

[cowman1970]

I have 5 Red Sex Links that stopped all at once in late July and haven't started back up. The local auction barn has been flooded with them for the past month. My other breeds have slacked off due to broodiness and molting. They are following a typical pattern. The Sex Links aren't and I can't figure out why. They all get lots of water and fed the same. No disease and no predator issues. They seem as content as the rest. ???????

 

[marianne7]

I have 5 Red Sex Links that stopped all at once in late July and haven't started back up. The local auction barn has been flooded with them for the past month. My other breeds have slacked off due to broodiness and molting. They are following a typical pattern. The Sex Links aren't and I can't figure out why. They all get lots of water and fed the same. No disease and no predator issues. They seem as content as the rest. ???????

Two months is a long time for them all to stop laying, Im asuming you have checked tho obvious, they are not laying elsewhere? The only other thing is if something has spooked them......chickens are strong, but also sentitive....by the way I love your profile joke pic...very funny

 

[NNANAPAM]

I have a friend that had something get into her coop and scare her americauna awhile back and she has stopped layung. none of the others stopped. She thinks it was an opposum. Any of you think it will start laying again?