Flock quit laying....anything i can do???

[TandyRanch9]

I have 7 hens, 5 of laying age (about a year old) and 2 newbies (not yet started,only about 5 months old) and one roo. This spring we moved the 5 into a bigger coop and they have a large run instead of running loose in the yard and there was a big drop in laying. Then in June we added the two newbies and they all quit laying...all but 1. It has been like this for months. I'm so sad. I have checked them for worms and mites and all that stuff. They all have good color and are active. I think I just made them stressed and maybe mad. I have read new birds and new housing will do this. So is there anything I can do to encourage them to start laying again??? They are pet chickens and I want them to be happy and not stressed. Also, with no sign of illness should I treat them with some antibiotics anyway? Just in case it is some sort of sickness that has caused them to quit. Thank you all so much.

 

[enola]

What are you feeding them? What are their breeds?

 

[TandyRanch9]

They are a mixed flock. Two RR, a buff,a wyandotte, a bantam cochin and the youngest are frizzle a barred rock and an australorps. They get layer feed and I mix in corn and grit and some oyster shell. Also scraps from the kitchen, mostly veggies and old breads.

 

[enola]

Try cutting out the corn, it is too low in protein. Treats should not exceed 10% of their total diet. If your hens are not laying, they don't need oyster shell mixed in their feed.

 

[TandyRanch9]

I have read up on all the reasons why they quit laying I just haven't come across anything that says if there is anything I can do about it. Seems like there should be something I can do...I know they are not machines. I want them to be less stressed. I want to understand more I guess.

 

[aart]

Try cutting out the corn, it is too low in protein. Treats should not exceed 10% of their total diet. If your hens are not laying, they don't need oyster shell mixed in their feed.
Ditto Dat^^^

Quote: Do not mix grit and oyster shell with feed, keep it always available but in separate containers.

Your 'year' olds may be getting ready to molt if they are near 18 months old.

Cut out everything but the layer feed(it's bare minimum for needed protein) for a few weeks, you are diluting the nutrients in the feed with the other foods.

OR...

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.