Chickens won't lay

[Travis2013]

I need help. I haven't had eggs in over 2 1/2 months. I was told my chickens were moulting. For the most part most of them were losing feathers and have gained them back. But not all of them were losing their feathers. I added some guienas about a month ago just because they were free. Thought they might have had something to do with it but not the case. What can I do.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

During the winter months, chickens will stop laying for awhile. This is due to decreased daylight . If they had a long molting, and then the decreased light, you could go a stretch without eggs.
If they are free range, make sure they do not have a nest hidden somewhere. How do you feed them? Are you feeding them plenty of commercial food? If not are you sure you are meeting all of their nutritional needs?

 

[Travis2013]

I feed them what I have been feeding them which is laying crumbles from tractor supply and ocsinally table scraps when we have them

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Are they on continuous feed? Or do you limit their amount? You could try supplemental lighting. I am not positive but I think many add a light on a timer and keep the chickens in 12 hours of light. This is to encourage egg laying.

 

[Travis2013]

I haven't changed anything with them. I been doing the same thing that I always do every morning. They are the ones changing on me. Hahaha

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

I haven't changed anything with them. I been doing the same thing that I always do every morning. They are the ones changing on me. Hahaha

Yes but with the cold, and the molting, they might need more food.

 

[Travis2013]

Ok I will try that but is there another food I could give them or something I could give them with more protein.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Ok I will try that but is there another food I could give them or something I could give them with more protein.

Layer feed should give them everything they need. But there is no harm in supplementing that with added protein, oyster shell (important even with the commercial feeds) and a little grain. I have heard many really like to add mealworms for their chickens. I feed mine ground up beef liver and added corn for scratch.

 

[Travis2013]

Ok thank you for your time and help. I'm willing to try anything. I guess only time will tell now.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Good luck!