Egg laying

[cluckmecoop7]

My six pullets used to lay about 5 eggs everyday in the summer. When winter came, they slowed down to one or two. For the past 5 or so days they haven't laid anything. All are molting but two, so I'm thinking its to be expected. But - does what I'm feeding them have anything to do with this? I feed some scratch (corn, grains, etc all mixed in a bag that I buy at TSC), and them Dumor laying pellets plus some crushed oyster shell and treats a few times a week like greens, banana, tuna, pop-corn, etc.

Is that a good diet for winter? Should I change from layer pellets to something else since they are not laying? Will they start again after molting?

Thanks!
- Clucky

P.S. - If they way I'm talking on here seems weird, its probably because I'm sick with a cold.

 

[ChickNanny13]

When molting they need more protein, feather building. Scratch is good as a minimal treat but not standard feed. Any and all treats should be no more that 10% of their intake, will take away from the nutrition of their feed. Commercial feed has ALL that they need for a healthy & productive life.

I tried Dumor brand which I didn't care for the results. I used to feed layer but now feed only Flock Raiser to all, no more stage feeding. I do put out a separate dish of grit and another of Oyster Shells when they get close to laying. When they molt, I'll give them extra protein (eggs, tuna, tofu) but not much.

Depending on your location, season and daylight has alot to do with them laying, as well as the age of your flock. Hens require 12 - 14hrs of sunlight, you may want/need to add artificial lighting to your coop.

 

[aart]

Ditto on diet rundown by @ChickNanny13 .

How old are your pullets in weeks or months @cluckmecoop7 ?

And 'earth' as a location is funny, but not really helpful

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Hello both,

Thank you for replying! I will look into switching feeds. @aart, they are a little more then 9 months and my location? Well....I can tell you this: North East USA

 

[aart]

Well....I can tell you this: North East USA

Put that in your profile
Close enough if you just can't bear to reveal your state.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Ok, I will.

 

[steveneggs]

I PUT A LIGHT IN EACH OF MY COOPS FOR THE WINTER TO HELP KEEP THEM LAYING. I USE COUNTRY ROAD LAYER FEED FROM RURAL KING PLUS SCRATCH FROM A LOCAL FARM IN MY AREA WHICH CONSISTS OF CORN OATS AND WHEAT

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I don't want to use a light in my coop. The reason I bought my chickens was because I wanted a pet. Eggs were just a bonus. Besides, a light could start a fire in the coop or -

Well, i don't want a light.
Sorry for rambling...

 

[steveneggs]

I don't want to use a light in my coop. The reason I bought my chickens was because I wanted a pet. Eggs were just a bonus. Besides, a light could start a fire in the coop or -

Well, i don't want a light.
Sorry for rambling...

THE LIGHT I USE IS LED SO ITS COOL TO THE TOUCH AND OUT THE WAY OF THE CHICKENS BUT FAR AS HEAT LAMPS YES IM SCARED OF A FIRE WITH THEM

 

[ChickNanny13]

Since you're enjoying your Pet with Benefits, look at the slow down/stop as a rest period for them. I've got chickens for "pets", enjoy the benefits ... don't mind to slow down/stop, gives them a rest.