No eggs, what gives?

[TJsGoldenGirls]

I have 26 weeker RIR and BR and a 24 weeker Australorp, no eggs? They are on a mix of grower/starter and layer (because I had so much grower left over and knew they'd soon need layer). They get produce scraps and forage the yard, acv in the water and all that jazz. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[sumi]

Have a look here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-behaviours-and-egg-laying-why-are-my-hens-not-laying

 

[TJsGoldenGirls]

Thank you. I'm not sure if any of those applies to us. The vent check didnt reveal a pink or wet vent, so maybe they are just not ready, their combs are still pretty pink, not red. We got the Austalorp about 4 weeks ago as a 20 week old and so is newer to the flock. They are all getting along now, but could that have caused a stall? I worry about parasites, I have a RIR that sheds intestinal lining often, every 4 days or so, it's not super bloody like cocci so I'm not sure what to think. She's gaining, eating, bright and shiny. I guess I need to be more patient. Should I offer oyster shell to non layers? I heard that was a no no.

 

[sumi]

Adding new chickens to an existing flock changes the flock dynamics and this can cause them to stop laying for awhile. The newbie will also be stressed by the new environment and by being integrated and could take weeks to start laying. If they'd let you, examine their pelvic bones. That should give you an idea of how close they are.

I see you are feeding them some layer already. You can offer them oystershell in a separate feeder/bowl. The hens will help themselves if they feel they need the calcium. I've done this with my flock, which consisted of some layers and some non-layers. The non-layers ignored the shells and the layers helped themselves eagerly when I put it out.

Hope you get an egg soon!

 

[TJsGoldenGirls]

I'll get some shell then. How interesting that they can tell when they need it. They all spread their wings and squat down when I reach to pick them up, I've heard that is a sign. I've not been able to check their pelvis bones, honestly I am so new to this I was impressed that I could check their vents! Where do I put my fingers to check that out?

 

[sumi]

Yes, chickens are clever when it comes to regulating their nutrient intake, though I suspect treats don't count

Squatting is a good sign yes. They do that for the rooster normally, to allow him to mate with them. For the pelvic bones check, pick the hen up and hold her so you can get your hand on her breast bone, then feel your way down towards her vent. You'll feel 2 sharp bones sticking up there. Here's a C&P from the article, see where my fingers are? That's where the pelvic bones are. You may need to feel around a bit as they have a lot of soft feathers down on their belly areas. It took me a few seconds to find it.


There is also a simple test you can do to check if your hen is laying/ready. Hold the hen firmly and turn her on her back. Find her vent area and feel for 2 bones sticking up. These are her pelvic bones. If you can fit only 1 finger upright between her pelvic bones she's still roughly 4 weeks off laying, 1 and 1/2 fingers means she's a little closer, 2/3 weeks and 2 or more fingers means she's either close or laying already.

 

[FarmerJess]

I had a problem last year with my hens not laying. I tried deworming and that didn't work. I tried keeping them penned until mid afternoon and that didn't work. One night as I was putting the chickens to bed I discovered the problem- a snake was getting in and eating the eggs and stressing the hens! I got rid of the snake, and sprinkled moth balls around the outside of the pen. That kept snakes out and voila! I got eggs again!

 

[sumi]

I had a problem last year with my hens not laying. I tried deworming and that didn't work. I tried keeping them penned until mid afternoon and that didn't work. One night as I was putting the chickens to bed I discovered the problem- a snake was getting in and eating the eggs and stressing the hens! I got rid of the snake, and sprinkled moth balls around the outside of the pen. That kept snakes out and voila! I got eggs again!

Moth balls? That's interesting! Glad you found and solved the problem.