how can i tell who is laying and who is not?

[Acie]

I have 5 older hens, how do I figure out which ones are still laying? I have 4 new 5 mo. Old barred rocks... Haven't noticed any new egg activity so Idk if any of them are laying yet... What do I do... I need to get rid of the old ones that aren't producing anymore but Idk how to tell?!

 

[cavemanrich]

The 5 month old are most likely still not laying. Observe which hens go into nest. Easiest.... I guess you are planning soup.
How many eggs are you getting now.??? Are any of them going thru molt.??? How old are the OLD hens??? What breed are they.??? these are all relevant questions. You may just have some chickens taking a short break from laying. Not all chickens produce equally.
HOPE THIS HELPS

AND

 

[Acie]

Sussex? They are 2ish?

 

[cavemanrich]

At 2 years , they still have quite some more laying to do. BY THE WAY, THEY LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!! Give them some time. They just might be on SPRING BREAK =D=D=D

Luv your avitar

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Most hens that dont lay have very yellow legs. Their vents are not supple and moist they are dry and tight. To be sure and with only five hens, I would use food coloring, a few drops in the vent and the eggs will be stained according to who laid them... Good luck.

Ps...i agree at two years they are probably still pulling their weight.

 

[Acie]

@SD Bird Lady i never woulda thought of food coloring! Thats interesting! Thank you.

@cavemanrich i inherited the white hens from my father, he says they are around 2... his CRAZY A** wife swears they were old when they got them.... however, her IQ is more than likely less than that of my 5 mo old hens so.... ya know...

anyway, are they sussex? idk what they are but they are super sweet. im hoping they are all still laying.... guess when they eggs start rollin in good with all 9 hens, i prolly wont be worried about who is producing...

Thank You!!

 

[aart]

May be Light Brahmas...I don't think Sussex have feathered legs/feet.

Let us know who the food coloring goes.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Sorry, I ever really looked at the picture. It appears you do have Light Brahma hens. Their laying rates aren't as spectacular as some...i usually average 3-4 eggs a week from my Brahma hens.

 

[Acie]

I saw one of my pullets in the nesting boxes while 2 of my Brahma hens were in there laying... I sat and peeked thru the window and watched my 2 hens lay... (First time I've witnessed an egg being laid!) I didn't notice the pullet squatting tho. But I did find this egg (in a different box than the one I'd left her in) but its smaller and lighter than what I normally get outta the brahmas... So.... What do you think? Could it possibly be from my barred rock pullet?!