Hi all. I have a mixed flock of 17 young laying hens (a year old in Mid-May) that had been laying very regularly but suddenly stopped about 10 days ago. Here are some factors but not sure if any/all/none of them have contributed to the sudden cease in egg production:
1) We have rats, 2 large adults that I have seen, and I have heard the offspring making their squeaky noises under the coop (cement floor but they have gnawed a hole into the side of the coop itself).
2) Their roo died in early February after an unknown illness (did have frostbite so we suspect he got sick from being cold).
3) New roo added in late March. Seems to be pretty decent with them.
4) I have seen diarrhea in the hens. They have been given buttermilk, which seems to have helped.
My hens get layer pellets, layer mash, fresh water daily, scratch and black oil sunflower seeds (shells on), and sometimes fresh fruit or veggies, or even leftovers if we have beef or ham (they LOVE picking the gristle off the bones).
Given the general scenario, what do you all think is causing my egglessnes? Do you think they are stressed, sick, or are the rats taking them all? Something else? We are going to trap the rats but in the meantime... help!
1) We have rats, 2 large adults that I have seen, and I have heard the offspring making their squeaky noises under the coop (cement floor but they have gnawed a hole into the side of the coop itself).
2) Their roo died in early February after an unknown illness (did have frostbite so we suspect he got sick from being cold).
3) New roo added in late March. Seems to be pretty decent with them.
4) I have seen diarrhea in the hens. They have been given buttermilk, which seems to have helped.
My hens get layer pellets, layer mash, fresh water daily, scratch and black oil sunflower seeds (shells on), and sometimes fresh fruit or veggies, or even leftovers if we have beef or ham (they LOVE picking the gristle off the bones).
Given the general scenario, what do you all think is causing my egglessnes? Do you think they are stressed, sick, or are the rats taking them all? Something else? We are going to trap the rats but in the meantime... help!