Don't pick up the hens or they won't lay?

[Namaste Mama]

Sigh this is getting frustrating, its just such a mystery as to why they aren't laying. I'm thinking I should just sell them. I need eggs to feed my family, I can't have freeloaders.

 

[LynneP]

I don't know much about those breeds, I'm hoping someone with more specific information will answer...

 

[chicknmania]

Quote:
Wait a second, how old are they and how long have you had them???

 

[chicknmania]

OK, whoops, I went back and read the answers to both those questions. But you said they are free range. Free rangers sometimes hide their eggs. And having them five weeks isn't a real long time for them not to lay, especially not this time of year.

 

[Namaste Mama]

Yes they free range, but I live on a city lot so its only about 1/5 of an acre and I have searched the entire yard for eggs.

 

[dancingbear]

Chickens are geniuses at hiding eggs. I had a big egg slowdown one summer, I searched and searched for weeks. Finally, I bent over at just the right angle to catch a glimpse of egg hidden in a patch of grass and weeds right up against the henhouse, behind my water faucet. A closer look revealed about 40 eggs. I'd stood right there, everyday when cleaning and filling water. They can get into narrow spaces and lay.

I'd increase protein, treat for both lice/mites and worms, and maybe keep them confined for a few days. If they are laying and hiding them, you'll find out. If they're beginning to moult and just aren't really showing it yet, they should soon. This is a bad time of year to try to determine if a hen is laying, because it's moulting season.

 

[bbrinks1]

I'm currently treating one of my girls for bumblefoot. Have cut her foot open 2x, have been injecting her daily with Penecilin, changing bandages daily. She still lays every day! If this won't keep a chicken from laying, nothing will. Have fun with them.

 

[ehuson]

People keep telling me I have to have a rooster around to get eggs. I think its an old wives tale. i have 4 girls ( I think) and they're still only about 6 weeks old, so we'll see.
Edward

 

[nerfy]

Quote:
Hi Ed, no rooster is needed for hens to lay eggs. It is a wives tale.

 

[Namaste Mama]

Yup, now if you want babies...... I believe a rooster is the only way. Although I hear in California they are trying to change that right now.....