oats & no eggs question

[ella-grace]

Hello All,

I've been lurking here for awhile but now have a question.

A friend of mine has been complaining for over a year that her 3 three year old hens (ameraucana and buff orpington and golden comet)rarely lay more than 2 or 3 eggs a week between them. She gives them oats every day and says they really don't like the layer pellets. Also, she does not give them oyster shell at all. Would this explain the limited eggs? She believes they are not eating the eggs.

IMHO they should get oats once a week, and oyster shell 24/7 along with the layer pellets, what do you think?

 

[ibpboo]

In my experience, my hens seem to lay more often with tougher shells when I feed lay crumbles.

 

[ibpboo]

the fun, friendly, and full of information site!

 

[scbatz33]

does she free range them? or do all they get to eat, ever, is oats? I would think if they are literally getting nothing but oats, they are not getting enough nutrients/nourishment to produce eggs.

We received some girls who were "not laying well" on just scratch and some kitchen scraps. There were about a dozen birds in a small pen all together.

we brought them home, put them on a good layer ration, grit and daily hour of free range. They have laid consistently for us straight through the winter. I have noticed a drop off lately, but I am inclined to believe that is age related at this point. But I still get eggs daily from one or both of them and I am sure these girls are at least 2 if not older.

 

[damselfish]

Oats are treats. You are right, the ladies need a layer ration and oyster shell, both free choice. They are working hard to pump out eggs and need their nutrients replaced properly.

She could get layer crumbles, some chickens seem to prefer those over pellets. But if they are hungry, they will eat the pellets.

Free ranging helps but generally does not eliminate the need for layer feed if you want good egg production.

Edited: Because I forgot to say Welcome to BYC!

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Yes, this is what is recommended in a lot of threads about nutrition here.