light for run

[Team01]

I have real trouble imagining a covered run that doesn't have enough light unless your sides are also blocking sunlight. A photo might be instructive. California has had a strange spring though. What can you tell us about their laying history? When did thy start? Did they stop for the winter? Did they molt? When?

They do not NEED perches in the run. The only risk I see of putting perches out there is they might tempt them to sleep out there instead of inside. If they are not higher than the inside roosts that's less likely to be a problem. If you want to I'd try it and see what happens.

I'm not sure when they started laying. They did not stop laying during the winter would get about 4or 5 eggs during the winter months. I'm not sure if they molt.

 

[MountainWoman73]

10 to 14 seems good, especially during a darker time of the year. I have 12 layers right now and get around 6 eggs on a decent day.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens don't need direct sunlight. In hotter climates shade is more valuable than light. They also don't read the breed guidelines and some of the breeds you have are definitely not high production breeds. If eggs are your main concern you might want to consider adding or replacing some of the flock with Leghorns, production hybrids, etc.

You mentioned they laid through winter? The older birds do need to stop and molt at some point.

 

[Team01]

Chickens don't need direct sunlight. In hotter climates shade is more valuable than light. They also don't read the breed guidelines and some of the breeds you have are definitely not high production breeds. If eggs are your main concern you might want to consider adding or replacing some of the flock with Leghorns, production hybrids, etc.

You mentioned they laid through winter? The older birds do need to stop and molt at some point.

Not sure if the older ones were laying or if the younger ones were laying.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not sure if the older ones were laying or if the younger ones were laying.

Did you see signs of molt in any of the older ones at that time?

 

[Team01]

Did you see signs of molt in any of the older ones at that time?

I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Can you tell me what to look for please

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Can you tell me what to look for please

Look for larger than usual amounts of feathers on the ground, especially under the roosts or in other areas the chickens congregate in (in heavy molts, it can look like a pillow exploded in the coop). Birds may have bare patches or sparse patches, and in those areas you will see plastic-y quills which are pinfeathers starting to come in. Birds might behave differently as well: more standoffish, not wanting to be touched, not eating as much, slight lethargy.

 

[Team01]

Look for larger than usual amounts of feathers on the ground, especially under the roosts or in other areas the chickens congregate in (in heavy molts, it can look like a pillow exploded in the coop). Birds may have bare patches or sparse patches, and in those areas you will see plastic-y quills which are pinfeathers starting to come in. Birds might behave differently as well: more standoffish, not wanting to be touched, not eating as much, slight lethargy.

There are some feathers on the ground not a hole lot. There are a couple when that have feathers missing on there back would that be from molting

 

[rosemarythyme]

There are some feathers on the ground not a hole lot. There are a couple when that have feathers missing on there back would that be from molting

It could be from molting, feather picking, or rooster damage (if you have a rooster or a hen taking that role). Photos of the areas may help ID.

 

[aart]

The run is covered with plywood.

Just the top or the walls too?
Really some pics would help here.