none of my chickens or ducks are laying

[beanie790]

Hi there,
Is this the right spot to post this question?? I’m new

I am having some trouble with my flock and their egg-laying.
I have a mixed flock of 11 chickens and ducks, different ages the youngest being about 2 years and the oldest ones are 4 years, which I do realise might mean they are past the egg-laying years. My ducks are 3 years. They have just recently moulted however this was at least 2 months ago and they have stopped laying off and on for the past year. My youngest hen usually lays every day but not in this past week, the ducks started laying again but not all of them, and this past week we have gotten no eggs. I don’t believe it is stress, they have plenty of room and all get along well, none of them are broody, their diet is layer pellets plus a corn and grain mix, with some shell grit mixed in, and they get some leafy greens and other scraps often. It could be that the days are shorter and it is getting a bit colder where I live but this has been happening for some time. They all appear healthy and are happy scratching around and running about the pen, just aren’t laying. Are they just getting old?? Just strange that none of them are laying at all. Any advice???
Thanks.

 

[nuthatched]

Cut out the corn and grain mix, or reduce it to once or twice a week. Are they molting?

 

[beanie790]

Cut out the corn and grain mix, or reduce it to once or twice a week. Are they molting?

Ok will try that, they don’t have it as much as the pellets but will still reduce it, no they are not molting. Thanks

 

[6-Hens-and-Me]

Hi there,
Is this the right spot to post this question?? I’m new

I am having some trouble with my flock and their egg-laying.
I have a mixed flock of 11 chickens and ducks, different ages the youngest being about 2 years and the oldest ones are 4 years, which I do realise might mean they are past the egg-laying years. My ducks are 3 years. They have just recently moulted however this was at least 2 months ago and they have stopped laying off and on for the past year. My youngest hen usually lays every day but not in this past week, the ducks started laying again but not all of them, and this past week we have gotten no eggs. I don’t believe it is stress, they have plenty of room and all get along well, none of them are broody, their diet is layer pellets plus a corn and grain mix, with some shell grit mixed in, and they get some leafy greens and other scraps often. It could be that the days are shorter and it is getting a bit colder where I live but this has been happening for some time. They all appear healthy and are happy scratching around and running about the pen, just aren’t laying. Are they just getting old?? Just strange that none of them are laying at all. Any advice???
Thanks.

Make sure the layers pellets are 90% if not swap to it, check for mites/lice Worm them all
As they are older they won’t lay every day and may take breaks after molts especially, this is because they have used all there energy on growing their feathers, and after they need to replenish the oils on them, remember the chicken comes first, then eggs. You could try Mealworms or canned tuna, this will get them back up to speed. Hope this helps

 

[aart]

It could be that the days are shorter and it is getting a bit colder where I live but this has been happening for some time.

The shortening days could very well be the case.
I'll assume for now that you are in the southern hemisphere and as close as the solstice is it will affect their laying. I find the older birds stop earlier than the youngers.

If you free range, they might also have a nest out in range area.

Welcome to BYC! @beanie790
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[beanie790]

Make sure the layers pellets are 90% if not swap to it, check for mites/lice Worm them all
As they are older they won’t lay every day and may take breaks after molts especially, this is because they have used all there energy on growing their feathers, and after they need to replenish the oils on them, remember the chicken comes first, then eggs. You could try Mealworms or canned tuna, this will get them back up to speed. Hope this helps

I will check that, they are all up to date with their worming, a few of them did have mites a few months ago which I tried by best to treat, Ive looked closely at the ones who I saw the mites on previously and couldn’t see any but perhaps I will look again and do some more treatment if needed.