freeloaders

[neuchicontheblock]

I have had my Americauna pullets now for 6-8 weeks and they produced eggs in the cage on the way home but not a blessed thing since then. Fruit, yogurt, clean coop, free ranging. I want their life. I don't really mind since I enjoy them, but it would be nice to see an effort from them out of gratitude!

 

[Mahonri]

I think the breed must be slow.

I have 5 Wheaten/Blue Wheaten pullets, 3 of them hatched in February.

Total eggs from them so far: two... from the same pullet...

Jennie:

 

[elmo]

Do you give them feed other than what they can find free ranging?

http://www.sustainablechicken.com/2009/05/01/robert-plamondon-on-free-range-chickens/

 

[neuchicontheblock]

oh ye...hence the freeloader tag. Grain, yogurt, veggies, fruit. You name it, they can get it. The little snots.

 

[fordmommy]

so sorry.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
I guess what I was asking is whether you give them a formulated chicken feed or not? Otherwise, you're guessing about the nutritional sufficiency of the diet they're getting for laying.

 

[neuchicontheblock]

yes, they get a layer grade food from Blue Seal

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

Some people on here say to keep the treats to a minimum, as they inhibit/delay laying. I cut back on the amount of extras mine were getting, and after 26 weeks, they just started laying.

Some feel that fruit (specifically apples and tomatoes) are the culprit. My gut feeling is that chickens are omnivores and benefit from a wide variety of foods, but that's just what I've read.

Are yours getting 14 hours of light? The shorter days may be discouraging them from getting going again. Maybe some supplemental lighting? Just an idea.... Good luck!

 

[fatboys farm]

i go to the chick auction alot @ chickens lay eggs in the pens where it is crowded, noisy @ all day without food or water. i think a hen will just lay when she is ready. good post though i have 25 laying @ 25 more that are not. maybe they are conserving till they see what the obama administration is going to do.

 

[RevaVirginia]

Don't be surprised If one day soon you run across their "stash".