Not sure

[Treatflock22]

I had an issue several weeks back where my flock quit laying. I pulled all treats and it made a huge difference

I will try that. Thanks

 

[Iluveggers]

Are they free range or do they stay in an enclosed run?

 

[Treatflock22]

Are they free range or do they stay in an enclosed run?

They stay in the run.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I give them fermented layer feed mixed with scratch . I was told the 1 year Olds had just molted before I got them.

Scratch often comes in around 8% protein with NO added vitamins, minerals, or amino acids so diminishes the nutrient of the formulated ration and should NOT be mixed in, ever. Should also not be fed at more than 10% of the total daily intake.

Depending on how long "layer" has been fed.. the diminished protein and excess calcium *could* stunt growth and delay onset of laying..

Most layer feed is 16% protein which is the minimum for light bodied layers like Leghorn.. Dual purpose breeds like Orpington. rocks, and even stars.. will do better at closer to 18%.

If the year olds just molting before you got them.. age may be inaccurate or they may or may not return to lay again before spring. Lay hormone is light related.. in addition to the genetic and nutrition and stress of moving components. Some folks use artificial lighting to increase laying or return to lay after molt.

I'd definitely address your treat level specifically for long term purposes. I would also consider switching to a grower or flock raiser instead of layer.. roosters, molting/broody ladies, juveniles, and those not in lay.. CAN experience gout, kidney failure, and even death.. if fed excess calcium (>3% ) long term.. there very is likely a genetic factor there also but you won't know until it's too late. Many folks know this and feed their roosters layer anyways and may never experience or know if they have any of the conditions described. It's a personal choice.. of course right now, your calcium content is already diminished some by the scratch and made up for (for active layers) on the side.

I still think your birds are young and likely the biggest reason they aren't laying yet. Maturing in fall.. can sometimes delay the onset by a few weeks as compared to maturing as daylight hits it's peak. 6 months is not uncommon.

They usually red up in the face about 1 month before they're gonna start laying.. pics always welcome!

 

[Iluveggers]

They stay in the run.

Just making sure a “secret” nest in your yard wasn’t the reason you aren’t getting eggs!

 

[Treatflock22]

Are they free range or do they stay in an enclosed run?

Run.

 

[Treatflock22]

Scratch often comes in around 8% protein with NO added vitamins, minerals, or amino acids so diminishes the nutrient of the formulated ration and should NOT be mixed in, ever. Should also not be fed at more than 10% of the total daily intake.

Depending on how long "layer" has been fed.. the diminished protein and excess calcium *could* stunt growth and delay onset of laying..

Most layer feed is 16% protein which is the minimum for light bodied layers like Leghorn.. Dual purpose breeds like Orpington. rocks, and even stars.. will do better at closer to 18%.

If the year olds just molting before you got them.. age may be inaccurate or they may or may not return to lay again before spring. Lay hormone is light related.. in addition to the genetic and nutrition and stress of moving components. Some folks use artificial lighting to increase laying or return to lay after molt.

I'd definitely address your treat level specifically for long term purposes. I would also consider switching to a grower or flock raiser instead of layer.. roosters, molting/broody ladies, juveniles, and those not in lay.. CAN experience gout, kidney failure, and even death.. if fed excess calcium (>3% ) long term.. there very is likely a genetic factor there also but you won't know until it's too late. Many folks know this and feed their roosters layer anyways and may never experience or know if they have any of the conditions described. It's a personal choice.. of course right now, your calcium content is already diminished some by the scratch and made up for (for active layers) on the side.

I still think your birds are young and likely the biggest reason they aren't laying yet. Maturing in fall.. can sometimes delay the onset by a few weeks as compared to maturing as daylight hits it's peak. 6 months is not uncommon.

They usually red up in the face about 1 month before they're gonna start laying.. pics always welcome!

So I don't feed them layer pellets til they are already laying? Where can I find the other feed? Flock raiser?

 

[Mrs. K]

Really - I would not worry so much about the feed. Unless your birds are starving to death, it won't have a huge detrimental effect on the first few years laying. You just have to wait until they are ready. Post some pictures of your birds and set up.

Some people are very picky about what their birds eat, but really if they are out and about, they eat what they want. Feed may have a long term effect over the overall life and health of a bird, but not evident for a couple of years.

Mrs K