girls on strike

[hinchbug]

For the last month my year old chickens (3 Buffs and 1 austrolorp) have been laying 1 egg a day. We got a new dog last month but the egg production stank before his arrival. 24 hr access to inside and outside, food and water. The dog leaves the girls alone. Have tried black pepper in food. Anything else? I need some eggs!

 

[LizzyJo]

Why did you put black pepper in their food?

 

[hinchbug]

My husband talked to an old farmer who said black pepper is the trick for egg production. Unfortunately I need another trick.

 

[b.hromada]

I've read on here that apple cider vinegar is good. Also is good at making the eggs nice and big. Hey, don't feel to bad, my girls have been giving me like 3 eggs a day, for about 4 days, I have 8 hens. I told them they were fired!

Gotta love our girls!

 

[Robin L]

Does it look like a feather pillow broke in your yard? If they are molting that would stop egg production.

 

[hinchbug]

I do have quite a few Buff feathers and caught the Austrolorp laying. So the Buffs are the laying culprits. How long does molting last?

 

[Robin L]

Ok just got an answer, sorry it took me so long
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=195979&p=2

 

[badnfluinz]

Mine are doing the same thing. Got them about a month and half ago. Were laying everyday and now 1 egg in the past 4 weeks. Food, water, shelter, free range and dog that pays no mind to them but no eggs. No feathers in yard and have checked everywhere in yard for possible nests and nothing. What to do?