None of my hens are laying

[Sophie4321]

I have 8 orpingtons 4 of which are pol and the rest are about 18 months
8 bantams pol
3 marans pol
1 aracuna pol
2 hybred layers 18 months and 2years
1 ? Pol
None of them are laying. Normally this time of year I have at least a few laying.
The aracuna layed for about 2 weeks and so did one of the bantams but then stopped
What can I do to encourage them to lay

 

[Ribh]

Lovely birds! What are you feeding them?

 

[Sophie4321]

Lovely birds! What are you feeding them?

A mix of layers pellets and corn

 

[Ribh]

And how many nesting boxes do you have? Is it possible they are laying elsewhere?

 

[Melky]

Here are a few articles to help you troubleshoot the problem, Happy Reading!: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/factors-that-influence-affect-egg-laying.64361/

https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...ickens-are-not-laying-eggs-overview-H394.aspx

https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/7-reasons-why-your-chickens-stopped-laying-eggs/

Any feed changes lately? That can stop production. Make sure good quality feed with poultry grit and OS on side. Plenty of fresh water. Feed at least a 16 % good quality protein layer feed. Make sure not laying somewhere else. Also winter with decreased daylight hours and age have a lot to do with it. So not surprising what you are seeing. Should improve as daylight hours increase. Keep any treats 10% or less of total daily diet so does not subtract from nutrition.

 

[Melky]

A mix of layers pellets and corn

Why a mix? How much protein? I would delete corn as mostly empty carb if on a complete layer feed. Maybe only feed as a treat. I do not use corn as not best protein out there.

 

[Sophie4321]

About 75:25 layers to corn

Why a mix? How much protein? I would delete corn as mostly empty carb if on a complete layer feed. Maybe only feed as a treat. I do not use corn as not best protein out there.

 

[Sophie4321]

And how many nesting boxes do you have? Is it possible they are laying elsewhere?

They have 8 nesting boxes and the bantams have 3 and they cannot be laying else where as their are in an area enclosed by electric fence

 

[Melky]

About 75:25 layers to corn

Do you have to mix with corn because the layer feed bag tells you to for a complete feed?

 

[Shadrach]

Last winter your hens were still pullets and when pullets first start laying they will often lay throughout the winter. In the second year most hens will take a break in the winter months when the light levels are low.
For free range egg producers they keep the egg supply going over the winter months by ensuring they have first time laying pullets read y to lay that winter.
I am of course assuming it is winter wherever you are.