How can you tell who has quit laying?

[HollyDutton]

Especially in a flock where you've got multiple birds whose eggs are the same color?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

For me it's observing who's in the nestboxes throughout the day.

 

[HollyDutton]

Can't they get broody without laying, though?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can't they get broody without laying, though?

They always stop laying when they are broody. A broody hen will act differently so I can always tell who's broody by the fluffing and clucking.

 

[Fishkeeper]

You can put food dye on their vents to color the eggshells slightly. Assign each hen a different color, or dye only suspected non-layers, and go from there.

 

[aart]

If you are looking to cull non-layers, you can check pin bones and vents.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

If you think you have a broody, behaviors is the best way
Not sure if bones/vent change so quickly on a broody never checked one.
Wish I had thought of this 2 months ago when I had a broody, but she back to laying now.

 

[HollyDutton]

If you are looking to cull non-layers, you can check pin bones and vents.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

If you think you have a broody, behaviors is the best way
Not sure if bones/vent change so quickly on a broody never checked one.
Wish I had thought of this 2 months ago when I had a broody, but she back to laying now.

Thank you so much!