Hens haven't laid eggs in awhile

Date sort Score sort
jkarakorn5

jkarakorn5

In the Brooder
Nov 10, 2016
7
1
11
New poster
1f60a.png
So we've had our chickens since June. We had 5. About a month ago we were getting regular eggs daily. Just starting too anyways. Then came a raccoon and took 2 of my hens.
1f621.png
1f621.png
1f621.png

After the attack our hens seemed very sad and didn't make any real noises. They seemed stressed. We had 2 Buff orrfingtons and the raccoon took 1 of our best layer. However, it's been a month and we haven't gotten any more eggs
1f629.png
I know the days are shorter but we live in N Florida and it's still pretty warm. Anyone else Experience anything like This?
Really sad in Florida...
 
Thank you, it was really sad for all of us. We
Trapped what we think was the criminal the next night. **** thing was coming back for the last 3. We trapped another raccoon 2 night later and left the trap out and nothing since. I'll look into molting...thanks again!
 
You're welcome, if your chickens are older than a year then they will molt and usually stop or slow down laying. Some ways to help them with molting is to give extra protein and calcium. You can by oyster shells and put them in a small feeder and they can take what they want.
 
They were a little older when we got them. Not brand new chicks. I haven't noticed a ton of feathers missing but I'll definetely up their calciumand protein. We give them layer feed and scraps. They also free range from time to time. I appreciate your help. I really hope it's just coincidence with the days getting shorter and them trying to recover from the attack. It was devasting for all of us
1f629.png
We are new to raising chickens so we've learned our lesson now.
1f60a.png
 
If they aren't laying, I wouldn't give extra calcium or layer feed. Too much calcium and no where to go. They may not start laying again until the days get longer in spring. If they saw their flock mates being slaughtered or dragged off, that is something chickens don't forget fast. If more predators are eying them - it keeps the danger alive to them.
 
Thank you, I'm happy to have found a flock! Lol
Thanks for everyone's feedback. I'm definetely keeping an eye for predators, molting, and what they are eating. I have a black chicken that seems the most scared by the whole ordeal. Just sad to see them this way. They still get pretty happy when they get their mealworms. So cute to see them running! Lol. We are thinking about getting more chickens, but didn't want to do it too soon after the attack.
Thanks again for your help!
 
Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you joined us, but I am so sorry for your losses. :( I found some links on predator proofing your coop and run, you may like to read through them and take some extra precautions to make sure such a devastating thing does not happen again.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/predator-proofing-for-new-and-existing-coops
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1135151/100-urban-predator-proof-chicken-run
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1095717/predator-proofing
I hope these help, and I hope you are able to make sure varmits leave them alone from now on. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy BYC!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom