Gray legs, no eggs

[mawmawscott]

I have 1 rooster and 8 hens. Over the last few months all of there legs have turned a very dark gray and I haven"t had one single egg in 4 months. All are 2 to 4 years old and previously great layers. They all quit laying pretty much at the same time.

 

[N F C]

Can you provide more information about your birds and where in the world you are located? Shorter daylight hours will make for less egg laying (or none at all). Once the days start getting longer, egg laying should recommence, provided they are healthy.

 

[Acre4Me]

Possibly going through a molt. If so, up their protein intake to help regrow feathers. Often people provide an 18-22% protein feed during molt, and if not egg laying then don’t need layer feed (which contains extra calcium). You can just provide oyster shell on the side for when they feel they need it.

But, I also agree with @N F C , could just be a light issue.

 

[mawmawscott]

I live near Houston, Tx. I've had layers for 14 years and never had an issue like this. We live in a rural area so the birds are couped at night and free range in the daytime. My daughter lives next door and her birds have beautiful bright yellow legs.

 

[mawmawscott]

Not loosing feathers

 

[N F C]

I live near Houston, Tx. I've had layers for 14 years and never had an issue like this. We live in a rural area so the birds are couped at night and free range in the daytime. My daughter lives next door and her birds have beautiful bright yellow legs.

What breed of chickens are you raising? Photos of them may help.

 

[Acre4Me]

I live near Houston, Tx. I've had layers for 14 years and never had an issue like this. We live in a rural area so the birds are couped at night and free range in the daytime. My daughter lives next door and her birds have beautiful bright yellow legs.

So, you’ve likely already checked for mites/lice, is my guess. With 14 years experience, then you know something’s not right! Do you have same breed as your daughter? Do you have same breed for all your birds? Did you buy a new breed that is new (or relatively new) to you? But, going from typical yellow legs to grey legs would make me wonder if there was an illness/problem. Scaly leg mites?

Good luck!

 

[Grits&Eggs]

just read something on vitamin E deficiency, does cause grey/bluish legs
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/6/diseases-of-poultry/218/vitamin-e-deficiency
or, could they have gotten/eaten something poisonous?

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Pictures of your birds might help with the solution. Have you changed anything husbandry wise - feed, bedding, anything ?