Egglaying...I must be stupid...

[silkiechicken]

And you are sure they aren't eating their own eggs?

 

[thornberryvillage]

More info...

free choice oyster shell, combs and wattles well formed and BRIGHT red.

They layed OK last year...all were hatched in Jan and Feb 07...and when it started getting dark earlier I didn't add light as my farmer;s market where I marketed the eggs closes the last of Oct. Went back to 22 percent layer feed and lit for 16 hrs a day of light.

Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Any more ideas?

Bob

 

[stilwellchick]

Are you sure they aren't laying somewhere else? Lots of people write in that they find eggs in strange hidden places, one lady found over 50 under a mower I think! Maybe keep them penned for a few days and see what they do. Let us know what happens. BTW, did you say none were moulting or seemed to be getting ready to?

 

[thornberryvillage]

Quote:
If you read my first post you'll find they are locked in a coop for now. Nowhere to hide eggs.

Bob

 

[patandchickens]

Have you looked at their vents to see if they SEEM to be laying? (Pink, plump, relaxed and moist vs pale, thin-lipped and drier)

They could be eating their eggs, you wouldn't necessarily see much evidence of it. Or you could have rats.


Pat

 

[thornberryvillage]

Quote:
Vents are fine...remember, these gals were laying last year, up until November...they just won't start back up this spring no matter what I do it seems.

I know I have no predation problems...they just won't lay.

Bob

 

[rufus]

With 80 hens not laying, I suspect a pending moult. They probably are all about the same age, so they are doing it at the same time.

This too shall pass.

Rufus

 

[Harley's girl]

Have you threatened to take them to the auction? LOL

That is what I told my fuzzy butts! And low and behold they are ALL laying now! Some of them have not laid since OCT!!! I told the hubby I am loading them up and taking them to the auction this weekend! Within the week I was getting 22 eggs a day!!!

Maybe you could try that!

Good luck!

**I seriously have no clue why they stopped or why they started! All I know is that they did!**

 

[thornberryvillage]

Harley's girl :

Have you threatened to take them to the auction? LOL

That is what I told my fuzzy butts! And low and behold they are ALL laying now!

Heck, I told them they were either layers or fryers...their choice. It hasn't done any good.

Bob​

 

[thornberryvillage]

Bump