Amy V
Chirping
Hi to my favorite people to go to with my chicken questions. I have 6 2 year old chickens, 5 hens and one rooster. For the past couple of days my girls have either have not laid an egg, or they are soft shelled. They are eating layer feed, I give them crushed egg shells to eat, and they free range during the daylight hours. They've not been interested in the egg shells them the past couple of days either. They are acting and pooping normally, no injuries or bugs, but they do seem to be taking more "naps" than usual.
My questions are:
Since all 5 are having issues could it be stress? Not only have we had some heavy rains, but it's been really windy here in North Texas. In addition, the rooster has started acting up a couple of months ago (must be a late bloomer, he hates me at this point) and we've had more than normal hawk activity lately (breeding season I guess). None are injured, but two have a spot on their backs that are almost completely bald.
Do chickens start to slow down about this age?
If it's not stress, what could affect all the girls at the same time?
Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!
Amy
My questions are:
Since all 5 are having issues could it be stress? Not only have we had some heavy rains, but it's been really windy here in North Texas. In addition, the rooster has started acting up a couple of months ago (must be a late bloomer, he hates me at this point) and we've had more than normal hawk activity lately (breeding season I guess). None are injured, but two have a spot on their backs that are almost completely bald.
Do chickens start to slow down about this age?
If it's not stress, what could affect all the girls at the same time?
Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!
Amy
I'll remove the water and put out fresh right now.
