Concerned! Great layers now protesting!

[mommytoneb3]

Hello!! We have 67 chickens which we purchased last fall. It is a mix of leghorns, black astrolorps and red stars. They were giving us eggs beautifully at around 5 dozen a day, and instantly they all went on strike. We have not altered their feed. We let them free range one day a week. They have enough water. We have calcium, which is free choice, but they don't seem to be interested. They do not appear to be stressed. They have a huge run. Many boxes to have their eggs in. No evidence of mites in the boxes. Enough sunlight as we are in Wisconsin. No "pasty butt". No predators. We are quite baffled at their lack of eggs.
Any ideas? Any suggestions? We have many family and friends anxious for them to come back on line.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would set up a game camera, it is very strange for every hen to stop completely, that many hens should still be giving you some eggs no matter the reason. Have you spent any time observing them to see if there's any laying? Any signs of egg eaters? Something is going on, an afternoon of observing might help you see something you are missing.

 

[Rod-T]

Wow and there young too? Last fall.. they should all be going strong.. is the water clean? Water is as important as feed . Check feeders see if there not plugged up...

 

[pdirt]

Hmm, it does sound like it could be a predator issue. Not that a predator is getting to your chickens (because you've built them such secure palace), but perhaps predator(s) are stalking out the chickens and it's stressing your flock out? Yeah, game cam might be helpful.

No signs of molting? How old where they when you got them last fall?

 

[mommytoneb3]

You have all given some things to consider looking into. We are just completely baffled! They are only 8 months old and should be serving us well. We will take your bits of advice and see if things change. Thank you everyone!!