Help a new chicken family with hens that won't lay!

[Katy]

Quote:
Not true all the time. I often have pullets that start laying in the late summer, early fall that continue right on thru the winter without a break. I also generally have some older hens that continue to lay on a sporadic basis thru out the winter. I don't use any artificial lights.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
This is not my experience. Chickens can be pretty clumsy, and now and then will break an egg. Sometimes it gets eaten or partially eaten, sometimes not. I know for a fact that some hens that have eaten eggs at times will lay then walk away now. Mamas generally eat the remains after hatching a chick, too, or when a chick dies in the egg.

I have read, though, that if you have a hen who intentionally breaks any egg she finds in order to eat it, that the above is true, she can't be broken of the habit, or at least it's extremely difficult. Why some hens get like this and others do not, I have no idea. I just know I have some who have eaten an egg then not eaten eggs later.

 

[al6517]

Quote:
This is not my experience. Chickens can be pretty clumsy, and now and then will break an egg. Sometimes it gets eaten or partially eaten, sometimes not. I know for a fact that some hens that have eaten eggs at times will lay then walk away now. Mamas generally eat the remains after hatching a chick, too, or when a chick dies in the egg.

I have read, though, that if you have a hen who intentionally breaks any egg she finds in order to eat it, that the above is true, she can't be broken of the habit, or at least it's extremely difficult. Why some hens get like this and others do not, I have no idea. I just know I have some who have eaten an egg then not eaten eggs later.

True........ some don't if it is an occasional thing and sometimes is not a problem. I just thought since the OP never saw an egg that it may have been the problem.

AL

 

[cybercat]

Quote:
This is incorrect information that gets past around alot. I know from experiance that chickens do lay in winter and without added light. My coop has no extra heat or electricity to it and windows are shutter against wind. Yet last year my gals laid all thru winter. This year they are just now starting up again after molt. They are outside free ranging from 10am till 5:30pm. Yes I am getting eggs now collect four just yesterday only one from new pullet rest from older hens.

So chickens DO lay in winter with no extra light.

 

[al6517]

Oh Heck yeah chickens lay in the winter, all the time............. yeah they will slow up a bit at times but if they are well cared for and comfortable they will produce & produce you bet.

AL

 

[LauraG]

Dont feel bad. I bought 7 chicks on April 29th. Only 4 of the 7 are laying.

The freeloaders are- 1 buff orpington, 1 Auracana, and 1 Barred rock

I am not supplementing light or heat. One Barred Rock JUST started laying a week ago.

Mine also free range a portion of the day (usually, not always). They have a super coop and a covered run, organic food, yummy treats and lots of loving.

So, it will come eventually........

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

My flock took their sweet time getting started . They really cranked out the eggs for a couple months and have recently slowed down to the point where one or two hens take a day off. Not sure if that is a winter thing or a broody thing .

 

[Cavendish Chickens]

Hens do not lay in winter.

I beg to differ with that. I have two hens that only just started laying on black Friday, and doing quite well. No artificial light use either. We built a nest box and set it inside the coop, and they took right to it. We've been getting "egg"cellent eggs. 6 in a week (Friday to Friday) between the two girls. My hens are leghorns, and leghorns (the white at least) are winter hardy birds. One of my girls is white, the other is light brown. If you want a good laying breed, this would be a good one. There's another site called mypetchickens.com where they have a free "tool" you can use to help choose breeds to accommodate your specifications. Just go to the site, scroll all the way down, and on the left you will see the 'breed selection tool'. Click on that, answer the very short questionaire... and it will show you the best breeds for you. If you want chickens who will lay in winter, click yes where it asks if they need to be winter hardy. If you want hens that will sit on their eggs, then select yes where it asks if you want them to be broody. Etc.

As for the post question.... I'm not sure why your girls are not laying. I have to agree that they need to feel like they are safe and secure. And having a nest box offers a little security. It is a dark, somewhat secluded space where they feel their eggs will be safe. Make sure their nest boxes are somewhere that would be safe and secure in their eyes. Maybe add one in the coop with an outer door that you can use to reach in for egg collection. I would also move them a little ways away from the dogs. Maybe they feel like they are just a little too close to them, and it scares them. Make sure to spoil the crap out of them too. Lots of treats. "A spoiled hen lays more eggs" As for throwing in the towel... don't do that yet. Even if they don't lay during the winter... they may start when things warm up. Sometimes Spring is cold... so I'd give them until early to mid summer at the least. If nothing by then, I'd give up on the thought of those girls laying and get other hens that will. Good luck to you!

 

[FiveHens]

Quote:
Sorry!
Guess I've been proved wrong...I just know it worked for our chickens, and I have read it in many reputable sources. Good thing to try, anyway.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Some EEs are really late bloomers. Last year's EE April hatch didn't start laying until late December, but then was very regular! Our MidMay hatch of Orps just started to lay last week.
I would take a serious look at your girls. Are you noticing changes in the combs? Are they getting redder at all or enlarging in any way? Combs will turn bright red before they lay. Look at previous pictures ( you know you have them!) and compare.
Have you seen any evidence of squatting when you put your hand on their back? Test them every so often when you are with them. Squatting will indicate laying within a couple weeks.
If they squat, and combs are red.....THEN start looking for egg eaters or egg thieves!