Inconsistent Egg laying

[Lumley Farm]

Hi there! Been reading so much about behavior etc. I know Central Florida has winter one week and summer the next, but when should I be concerned about every other day egg laying? Noticed that my one hen (about 8months old, a ISA Brown) was lethargic and seemed to take a few steps and stop and close her eyes. Thought maybe there were night visitors so I locked them in the coop, but she turned around and seemed fine the next day. Also, just incorporated oyster shell, but eggs still have thin shells when I go to crack one over my skillet!

Secondly, a newer and younger hen has not stopped sneezing since I bought her, she is about 5 months old with developed red wattles and comb. However she is eating, drinking, grooming, etc

 

[aart]

but when should I be concerned about every other day egg laying?

Not unusual, not all birds lay every day.

Also, just incorporated oyster shell, but eggs still have thin shells when I go to crack one over my skillet!

What all and how exactly are you feeding?

Secondly, a newer and younger hen has not stopped sneezing since I bought her

Looks like you're in good hands with eggcessive in your other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...trange-noisy-breathing.1348787/#post-22209431

 

[Lumley Farm]

Not unusual, not all birds lay every day.

What all and how exactly are you feeding?

Looks like you're in good hands with eggcessive in your other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...trange-noisy-breathing.1348787/#post-22209431

Not unusual, not all birds lay every day.

What all and how exactly are you feeding?

Looks like you're in good hands with eggcessive in your other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...trange-noisy-breathing.1348787/#post-22209431

I am feeding Country Road Layer Crumbles and recently added Layer Pellets to all 4 hens. I throw about 1 1/2 cups for each pair in the separate pens which have very good ventilation. also add apple cider vinegar and vitamins to water.

 

[starri33]

I use dumor layer feed, 16% protein, they get a bit of chick starter 20% protein, a little scratch as a treat. My Naked Neck hens lay every other day, my main flock most lay every other day, my main flock there are some that do every day and most lay every other.

 

[aart]

I am feeding Country Road Layer Crumbles and recently added Layer Pellets to all 4 hens. I throw about 1 1/2 cups for each pair in the separate pens

You're just throwing the feed on the ground?
Would be better to have feeders up off the ground to keep feed clean and less likely to draw rodents.
I'd loose the acv.
What kind of vitamins?

 

[Lumley Farm]

I use dumor layer feed, 16% protein, they get a bit of chick starter 20% protein, a little scratch as a treat. My Naked Neck hens lay every other day, my main flock most lay every other day, my main flock there are some that do every day and most lay every other.

I get my layer feed at Rural king, it too has 16 % protein

 

[Lumley Farm]

You're just throwing the feed on the ground?
Would be better to have feeders up off the ground to keep feed clean and less likely to draw rodents.
I'd loose the acv.
What kind of vitamins?

well, yes, after observing their natural inclination to scratch, I throw some of it on the ground. I do not free range so this gives them something to do in the enclosure. I place Bounce sheets around the very well build chainlink wrapped in chicken wire coop. I don't remember the vitamins, they were given to me at start up, probably won't buy again. I understand the vinegar is beneficial to the gut and parasite preventative. I can happily say I am getting two eggs daily from the older (8month)

 

[aart]

I throw some of it on the ground.

But they also have a feeder always available to eat out of?

I understand the vinegar is beneficial to the gut and parasite preventative.

Maybe but it can also inhibit calcium uptake.
Plain fresh water is best, IMO.

 

[Lumley Farm]

yes, a feeder is available. Don't you worry....

 

[aart]

yes, a feeder is available. Don't you worry....

Not worried, just trying to help you solve your 'problem'.