- Jul 28, 2013
- 22
- 0
- 22
I have 5 chickens wandering freely around the farm...I bought pairs of brreds (what I liked the look of rather than specific breeds) (I did have six, but, well there is another thread discussing the issue of predators) My rooster (a fine looking chap) has matured from when he first arrived and now really does look after his girls rather than running up and grabbing all the food he can first.
My problem is that from the start I waited months for the first eggs (that's ok, I knew they were youngsters when I got them, I wanted to maximise their laying potential) but the best I have ever had is two eggs a day, no that has dried up as well. I have a light on in the coop that extends the day to 18 hours, they have free and full access to food and water, The wander around the area freely, picking up whatever they find, scratching away at everything, they all look fit and healthy, they all look happy.
Well actually, there is something there..... two of the girls have never matured...... their combs and wattles have remained tiny, one of them is particularly henpecked and apart from roosting with the others at night she goes of on her own looking for food.
The rest, look well fed (they all have full crops at the end of the day) they seem to be well adjusted chickens and the rooster is doing his job at any opportunity
BUT, no more eggs! And the eggs I was getting were only coming from two of the girls anyway... where am I going wrong? I know they stop laying over winter with the drop of daylight hours, hence putting the lighting in the coop. Is there anything more that I can do to restart (or actually start) the egg laying process? is there a fundamental issue that is missing from my chickens lives that have made them decide that they won't bother laying..... I never had this when I kept chickens years ago so I am getting a little peeved
Ok, so the chickens only produce for me, but it would be nice if they actually did produce, with winter coming I am weighing up the options, keep them over winter and hope that they start laying next year (which does seem a little late in the day) or do I enjoy fresh free range chicken at the weekends?
Any suggestions, tips or advice will be gratefully appreciated
My problem is that from the start I waited months for the first eggs (that's ok, I knew they were youngsters when I got them, I wanted to maximise their laying potential) but the best I have ever had is two eggs a day, no that has dried up as well. I have a light on in the coop that extends the day to 18 hours, they have free and full access to food and water, The wander around the area freely, picking up whatever they find, scratching away at everything, they all look fit and healthy, they all look happy.
Well actually, there is something there..... two of the girls have never matured...... their combs and wattles have remained tiny, one of them is particularly henpecked and apart from roosting with the others at night she goes of on her own looking for food.
The rest, look well fed (they all have full crops at the end of the day) they seem to be well adjusted chickens and the rooster is doing his job at any opportunity
BUT, no more eggs! And the eggs I was getting were only coming from two of the girls anyway... where am I going wrong? I know they stop laying over winter with the drop of daylight hours, hence putting the lighting in the coop. Is there anything more that I can do to restart (or actually start) the egg laying process? is there a fundamental issue that is missing from my chickens lives that have made them decide that they won't bother laying..... I never had this when I kept chickens years ago so I am getting a little peeved
Ok, so the chickens only produce for me, but it would be nice if they actually did produce, with winter coming I am weighing up the options, keep them over winter and hope that they start laying next year (which does seem a little late in the day) or do I enjoy fresh free range chicken at the weekends?
Any suggestions, tips or advice will be gratefully appreciated
