Help chicken squatting for 2 months but no eggs

[Rachmaginger]

Can someone please help me with what is going on here. I have 3 brown shavers which I adopted from horrible conditions. The man said they were all 18mths old but i don't think he had a clue. When i got them they were missing all feathers around the bottom and belly, full of lice and one was so unwell i thought she would die in the first week. 2 months later they are all running after bugs are friendly and no longer anemic looking. 1 girl went through a mault and now lays daily. 1 has been squatting since i got her and has been the most energetic of the 3 but not one egg. I felt her vent, her pelvic bones are only 2.5 fingers wide so i think she is a pullet. But why hasn't she laid yet? The 3rd (one i thought would die)girl doesn't squat and bones are close so i think she is a baby.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Rachmaginger Welcome To BYC

Do you have any photos of your hens that you would like to share?
Are they ex battery hens?

It's hard to know what's going on, not knowing the ages makes it a bit more difficult.
If you are checking pelvic points, usually that's pretty accurate. Some hens may squat as a submissive sign, it's not always an indication that they are in lay.

If they were in poor condition when you got them, it may take time for them to get back into shape if they were laying before. All I can suggest you do at this time is to be patient. See that everyone is eating/drinking well and active.

 

[Rachmaginger]

Hi @Rachmaginger Welcome To BYC

Do you have any photos of your hens that you would like to share?
Are they ex battery hens?

It's hard to know what's going on, not knowing the ages makes it a bit more difficult.
If you are checking pelvic points, usually that's pretty accurate. Some hens may squat as a submissive sign, it's not always an indication that they are in lay.

If they were in poor condition when you got them, it may take time for them to get back into shape if they were laying before. All I can suggest you do at this time is to be patient. See that everyone is eating/drinking well and active.

 

[Rachmaginger]

Thanks for your reply! They are not battery hens but came from a very crowded back yard with multiple breeds. I attached a pic of Rufus (the chicken in question). She is bright, alert, very interested in food and eats more than the others. I don't like to say it but she seems smarter than the others lol. She is a cool chicken, nothing phases her. I am struggling to get ontop of the lice problem. Could it be that?

 

[aart]

Are you sure she's not laying?
Do you free range?

her pelvic bones are only 2.5 fingers wide so i think she is a pullet.

Pelvic bone width has nothing to do with age(pullet-less than a year old, hen-more than a year old) but whether the bird is actively(or close to) laying.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for your reply! They are not battery hens but came from a very crowded back yard with multiple breeds. I attached a pic of Rufus (the chicken in question). She is bright, alert, very interested in food and eats more than the others. I don't like to say it but she seems smarter than the others lol. She is a cool chicken, nothing phases her. I am struggling to get ontop of the lice problem. Could it be that?

She looks very bright.
What have you been using to treat the lice? I would use a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust to treat them and their housing. Repeat treatment a few times at 7-10 days intervals to get all the lice that hatch. Don't forget to treat roosting bars as well.

 

[Rachmaginger]

Are you sure she's not laying?
Do you free range?


Pelvic bone width has nothing to do with age(pullet-less than a year old, hen-more than a year old) but whether the bird is actively(or close to) laying.

Yeah they only get locked in at night. I was meaning i think she might be younger than 18mths like he said but honestly who knows. I have looked all over the property and their fav places to go, haven't found anything

 

[Rachmaginger]

She looks very bright.
What have you been using to treat the lice? I would use a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust to treat them and their housing. Repeat treatment a few times at 7-10 days intervals to get all the lice that hatch. Don't forget to treat roosting bars as well.

I have only been using DE directly on them and where they like to dust bath. Do i get that spray from a vet or an animal/farming supply store?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have only been using DE directly on them and where they like to dust bath. Do i get that spray from a vet or an animal/farming supply store?

If you are in the US and have a feed store like Tractor Supply you will be able to get poultry spray/dust there.

The liquid concentrate is usually the most economical it makes many gallons. Get a small spray bottle to use for your birds and a larger sprayer like you use for gardens to spray your coop/housing. Of course, if you prefer dusting, that's o.k. too!

 

[aart]

Yeah they only get locked in at night.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.