NickiLynnT
In the Brooder
- Oct 7, 2021
- 6
- 71
- 44
Hello!
In July of 2020 I started my first flock with ten Orpington Buff chicks and one Barred Rock Rooster. All ten hens started laying extremely well last November, but suddenly stopped laying, almost entirely, early this summer. The only thing that has changed is that throughout the spring and early summer I added eight chicks, of various breeds to the flock and then one of my Opringtons hatched two chicks of her own. I introduced new chicks slowly and all seemed to go well. My flock is healthy and seems to be happy. They all seem to get along well. I have followed all of the guidelines I can find online for making sure they are not overcrowded, have more than adequate feed/water areas, roosts, laying boxes, etc. They mostly roam free during the day, and the coop is secure from predators at night. The coop and laying boxes are clean and well bedded. My new chicks are beginning to lay well, but for the past five months or so, I think only two or three of my eight laying Orpingtons are actually laying! Does anyone know what I should do? I would so appreciate any advice! Thank you!!
In July of 2020 I started my first flock with ten Orpington Buff chicks and one Barred Rock Rooster. All ten hens started laying extremely well last November, but suddenly stopped laying, almost entirely, early this summer. The only thing that has changed is that throughout the spring and early summer I added eight chicks, of various breeds to the flock and then one of my Opringtons hatched two chicks of her own. I introduced new chicks slowly and all seemed to go well. My flock is healthy and seems to be happy. They all seem to get along well. I have followed all of the guidelines I can find online for making sure they are not overcrowded, have more than adequate feed/water areas, roosts, laying boxes, etc. They mostly roam free during the day, and the coop is secure from predators at night. The coop and laying boxes are clean and well bedded. My new chicks are beginning to lay well, but for the past five months or so, I think only two or three of my eight laying Orpingtons are actually laying! Does anyone know what I should do? I would so appreciate any advice! Thank you!!