OK, I am sure I am not the only one...
My chickens, 7 of whom were active egg layers all but gave up their duties at the onset of the rediculous heat-wave-that-would-not-end. I understand that they won't lay in the heat, though my one EE layed all through the heat and is still going strong. We went from 6-7 eggs a day, to maybe 2? Once in a while we will get 3. The heat wave has passed and the temps have been much nicer. So...what can I do to encourage them to start again?
The stats: I have 2 silkies, 4 cochins and 1 EE whom are just shy of a year old(along with 6 'babies' who have not reached egg-laying age yet, they are about 16 weeks, give or take) They are free range, are not sick, get good organic food as well as lots of water, fruits and veggies, maybe some cooked rice and barley on occasion, no scratch or seeds unless they find them on their own...I am just as a loss. Should I keep them penned up? They have an enclosed run attatched to their house that we use in the winter, but let them loose in the yard the rest of the time. They are not stressed that I am aware of, and appear to me to be healthy, bug free, etc. I love having them around as pets, don't get me wrong, but was REALLY enjoying being able to feed my family(and the neighbors) with fresh eggs...
My chickens, 7 of whom were active egg layers all but gave up their duties at the onset of the rediculous heat-wave-that-would-not-end. I understand that they won't lay in the heat, though my one EE layed all through the heat and is still going strong. We went from 6-7 eggs a day, to maybe 2? Once in a while we will get 3. The heat wave has passed and the temps have been much nicer. So...what can I do to encourage them to start again?
The stats: I have 2 silkies, 4 cochins and 1 EE whom are just shy of a year old(along with 6 'babies' who have not reached egg-laying age yet, they are about 16 weeks, give or take) They are free range, are not sick, get good organic food as well as lots of water, fruits and veggies, maybe some cooked rice and barley on occasion, no scratch or seeds unless they find them on their own...I am just as a loss. Should I keep them penned up? They have an enclosed run attatched to their house that we use in the winter, but let them loose in the yard the rest of the time. They are not stressed that I am aware of, and appear to me to be healthy, bug free, etc. I love having them around as pets, don't get me wrong, but was REALLY enjoying being able to feed my family(and the neighbors) with fresh eggs...
