Flock not laying

[hkahler]

I have a backyard flock of 8 hens and 1 rooster. This fall they all molted, but now everyone has feathers and fluffy butts, but none of them are laying. Most of my hens are 2-3 years old. My rooster is 4 years old. I've noticed that he is not active with the hens and none of them are spending much time scratching and looking for bugs in their run. Actually, I often find them hanging out on the roosting bars inside the coop during the day. They get an 18% protein, "egg ration" pellet from the feed store, scratch grains and whatever vegetable scraps I have from the kitchen. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[cherrynberry]

I have a backyard flock of 8 hens and 1 rooster. This fall they all molted, but now everyone has feathers and fluffy butts, but none of them are laying. Most of my hens are 2-3 years old. My rooster is 4 years old. I've noticed that he is not active with the hens and none of them are spending much time scratching and looking for bugs in their run. Actually, I often find them hanging out on the roosting bars inside the coop during the day. They get an 18% protein, "egg ration" pellet from the feed store, scratch grains and whatever vegetable scraps I have from the kitchen. Any advice would be appreciated.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, they have stopped due to the daylight hours decreasing. The molt does take a toll on them, but it is not the main cause of their decrease in production.

 

[Kiki]

Can you post a few pictures of your birds?
Stop feeding the scratch and table scraps... It's taking away from your birds getting a balanced diet which could be part of the problem.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. It's not that unusual for birds to take a winter break in their laying cycle.

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! Everyone needs a break once in a wile . Thanks for joining .

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
They are taking a winter break. You should stop feeding them layer feed. No one is laying. I'd keep the scratch to no more than 1 tablespoon per bird per day.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska !

 

[SusannasMom]

 

[N F C]

Hi, as others have said, it's not unusual for a flock to take a winter break. Mine have been on their winter vacation for about 3 weeks now but they'll go back to work once the daylight hours increase.