No eggs

[PaigeReddan]

I have two 3 year old hens who have stopped laying. They get plenty of light and protein. I have mice who are in and out of the nesting boxes. Would that deter these two from laying?! That’s all i can think of.
thanks!

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

How hot is it where you're located?

 

[PaigeReddan]

It’s been hot. High 80s 90. Hmmm. That could be it. They are not molting. These two 3 year olds have never been big layers. Ones a Rhode Island Red then other Red Star (or is it North Star?) but now nothing.

 

[PaigeReddan]

I am back with the same question....why aren't my 3 year old chickens laying??
I realized I posted this last JULY!. They have plenty of protein each day in meal worms and sunflower seeds. I have added a small amount of apple cider vinegar to their water and fennel in the nest boxes. They are not laying anywhere else. They simply have stopped laying! My other hens layed until they were 6.

They are post molt, living in excellent conditions the only difference this year than last is that mice now nest just NEXT to the nest boxes and tunnel under the shavings and straw. Could that be enough to keep the girls out of their boxes?

Any suggestions??

 

[Alaskan]

Have you checked them carefully for parasites?

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Do your hens usually lay in the winter? Ours slow down considerably after their fall molt, but we don't want to mess with them by adding a light to the coop so we just deal with the shortage our ladies come back strong in the spring ^^

 

[aart]

They have plenty of protein each day in meal worms and sunflower seeds.

Both are very fatty.
What is their regular feed...brand/model/protein and calcium percentages?

I have added a small amount of apple cider vinegar to their water and fennel in the nest boxes.

Neither of these will promote laying, best leave them out.

They are not laying anywhere else.

Are you positive....do you free range?

Do your birds look like they're laying....bright red combs, etc?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Am assuming you live in the northern hemisphere, but....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[SulkyBantam]

Both are very fatty.
What is their regular feed...brand/model/protein and calcium percentages?

Neither of these will promote laying, best leave them out.

Are you positive....do you free range?

Do your birds look like they're laying....bright red combs, etc?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Am assuming you live in the northern hemisphere, but....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2430817

Why leave out the fennel OR the vinegar? Both are good for them whatever you feel about their egg-inducing abilities.

 

[aart]

Why leave out the fennel OR the vinegar? Both are good for them whatever you feel about their egg-inducing abilities.

Save the fennel for the soup.
Vinegar can inhibit nutrient, especially calcium, uptake...
...and may keep them from drinking enough.
When there is a 'problem', it's best to go back to basics.....good chicken ration and plain water is all they need. Other things can add to the problem or mask symptoms/issues.

 

[PaigeReddan]

Do your hens usually lay in the winter? Ours slow down considerably after their fall molt, but we don't want to mess with them by adding a light to the coop so we just deal with the shortage our ladies come back strong in the spring ^^

Thanks for replying! This feels different however. They stopped laying in mid summer!