Nine hens, no eggs

[Toetwo]

Okay, I have five old hens (three 4 year olds, 1 three year old, 1 two year old) and four pullets (born in April--two cochin and two speckled sussex). Love them all. But not one of them is laying. Yes, we are entering winter months. But three eggs in over a month? Really?

We have a silly roo. And the girls all tolerate to adore him.

Backstory: We've had a loss of three chickens over the years to cancer; the vet says it was Vitamin A deficiency. They are entirely free aka feral. 15 acres of land in the country to browse at their leisure. Plus mealy worms and corn morning and/or eve. We switched them from organic pellets to a new grainy feed they are ravenous for from New Country organic.

Frankly, I can deal without the eggs--though one once in a while would be appreciated. But I don't want to lose anymore of the girls to cancer. Too traumatic.

Suggestions?

As ever, thank you!

Toe

 

[lilmillefleur]

They may be hiding some eggs out in the woods...maybe trying to brood some babies?

 

[aart]

They are entirely free aka feral.

So you don't really know if they are laying or not.
Do they roost/sleep in the coop at night....is there a coop??
The eggs you are getting are laid in a known nest...or coop nest?
I'd guess the older birds are now molting.

Read your other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chickens-cancer.1189435/
....might question the vets diagnosis, many things cause cancer/tumors.