hens stopped laying

[redneck rooster]

I have a flock of 10 hens, mostly R.I. Reds (and a rooster) that have slowed to about half or the egg laying. I do have a problem with foxes and possums. I'm working on that, but I don't think that is the problem. maybe molting?

 

[Cyprus]

Have you noticed moulting in your flock?
Could be stress from predators, also age. How old are your hens? Nutrition and diet also plays a role in egg production as well as hours of sunlight.

 

[TexasLisa]

I agree with Cyprus. The molting, predators, and/or feed could be the problem. Also could there be a hen that is broody? I've noticed when I have a broody hen, the laying of eggs will diminish until I move the broody to her special cage.

I hope your flock will start laying for you again.

 

[redneck rooster]

Have you noticed moulting in your flock?
Could be stress from predators, also age. How old are your hens? Nutrition and diet also plays a role in egg production as well as hours of sunlight.

Thanks I think that they are molting. Noticed a lot of feathers around. I do have a fox around, killed 15 sense February, but they just stopped all of a sudden, a month sense the fox was here.

 

[redneck rooster]

Also food has not changed either.

 

[TexasLisa]

It is a shock when you walk into the coop and see feathers all over the place. You wonder....predator, fight, what??!!

It looks like the molting and the fox, is causing the hens to not lay as much. :/

 

[redneck rooster]

Yeah He is a thorn in my flock. I tried traps, even call in a pro (sorta) and he had no luck. He is a wise old fox. only comes when we all go to work, 7:30 8:00 in the morning, never at nite. Got pics on the game camera. Chased him away on the 29th. Also got electric fence around the chicken enclosure.

 

[TexasLisa]

WOW! Have you tried a live trap? Sometimes the Animal Control people will let you borrow one. Put a can of cat food in there and keep your fingers crossed.

 

[redneck rooster]

3 live traps. caught the neighbors cat, 3 possums and a raccoon. Cat food buried under the trap, bottom covered with leaves, used gloves left for couple weeks, no fox. Several pictures on the cameras. hoping for eternal rest for the chicken murderer.

 

[TexasLisa]

I am sorry, I laughed when I read you caught the neighbor's cat. I bet he won't be coming back!

That is definitely a wily fox. You ever feel like the Coyote and the Road Runner? In this case, I would say the table has been turned!