Ever heard giving laying hens crushed red pepper to make them lay?

[jsjustice7]

A few years ago, I received my first laying hens that was given to me but they weren't laying even though they were over a year old. I don't know if they were laying before I got them. An old farmer I met at my local co-op told me to give them crush red pepper in their feed and they will start laying. I did this and it worked. Has anyone ever heard of this? And any idea why it worked?

 

[paddock36]

I've read it on here before. I tried it on my hens, but I don't know if it worked.

 

[write2caroline]

I had a neighbor swear by it but I tried it. I am not sure if it worked but I read it will worm them too!
Caroline

 

[Whispering Winds]

A lady I work with told me its not a good idea, as it can throw them into a laying frenzy to the point where their laying years are dramatically reduced. Anyone else hear that?