Newbie to Chickens

[Later]

We purchased chickens 2-1/2 years ago and I have been thrilled to have them. They are a mix of Cinnamon Queens, Australorp, Americauna and Buff Orpington. Egg production drastically slowed down to 7 eggs/day in the fall and currently I'm lucky if I get one or two. My husband thinks it's because the girls are getting too old, but I have a neighbor who's chickens are 5 years and still producing.

We plan on getting chicks in the spring, but I really believe the current flock should start laying again assuming (with all the feathers all over the place) they are molting. They have a light that automatically comes on at dusk and shuts off at sun up. They are eating a 16% ration and supplemented w/ milo. I also let them free range about 4-5/day.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Later

 

[rjohns39]

Hi Later and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

Your girls probably have plenty of eggs left in them...

Definitely sounds like they're molting. You may want to bump them up to a grower while they molt and add oyster shell free choice. It takes a lot of protein to grow feathers and a lot of protein to make eggs. Those who light coops do work on 14 hours per day and I'm uncertain what light 24/7 will do. When supplementing light after they've quit laying it's often necessary to gradually increase the time the lights are on (simulating longer days) to stimulate them into laying again.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

They have a light that automatically comes on at dusk and shuts off at sun up.

Not good to light them all night....they need a dark period.
How long have you had these lights on all night... and how bright is the light??

but I have a neighbor who's chickens are 5 years and still producing.

Do they use a light too, and do their birds lay all year around??

 

[jthornton]

They have a light that automatically comes on at dusk and shuts off at sun up. They are eating a 16% ration and supplemented w/ milo. I also let them free range about 4-5/day.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Later

Put your location in your account info.

Turn the light on a 4 am and off at sunrise.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/supplemental-light-in-coop-why-how.html

JT

 

[Later]

Welcome to BYC!

Not good to light them all night....they need a dark period.
How long have you had these lights on all night... and how bright is the light??


Do they use a light too, and do their birds lay all year around??

I would guess 40-60 watt. We will experiment and give them a dark period. Good suggestion to try...thanks!

Hi Later and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

Your girls probably have plenty of eggs left in them...

Definitely sounds like they're molting. You may want to bump them up to a grower while they molt and add oyster shell free choice. It takes a lot of protein to grow feathers and a lot of protein to make eggs. Those who light coops do work on 14 hours per day and I'm uncertain what light 24/7 will do. When supplementing light after they've quit laying it's often necessary to gradually increase the time the lights are on (simulating longer days) to stimulate them into laying again.

They do have oyster shell free choice, but will try your other suggestions, too. Thanks. (Can't believe the fast replies!!!)

Put your location in your account info.

Turn the light on a 4 am and off at sunrise.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/supplemental-light-in-coop-why-how.html

JT

Thanks!!!

 

[aart]

We will experiment and give them a dark period. Good suggestion to try...thanks!

Keep in mind that any changes in lighting are going to have an effect.
They may stop laying.

How long have you had these lights on all night??

Did you miss this question? I'm very curious.