Official BYC Poll: How Do You Optimize Your Hens' Egg-Laying Capabilities?

[rockethoe]

Interesting, but HOW it supposedly works is what I'm wondering. Please don't make me read all that, can either of you summarize the mechanics of the process? Thanks!

I couldn't tell you I'm afraid. Im not sure its even fully explained in the studies, they just measure the difference, not the mechanics.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I couldn't tell you I'm afraid. Im not sure its even fully explained in the studies, they just measure the difference, not the mechanics.

Okay, thanks.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Interesting, but HOW it supposedly works is what I'm wondering. Please don't make me read all that, can either of you summarize the mechanics of the process? Thanks!

They dont know, but the final conclusion was this:

Supplementation of NaHCO3 may prolong persistency of maintaining a profitable egg production during the late laying period.

More research would have to be done to make anything conclusive about the benefits of adding baking soda.

 

[JanetG]

I couldn't tell you I'm afraid. Im not sure its even fully explained in the studies, they just measure the difference, not the mechanics.

When in doubt, leave it out.

 

[rockethoe]

The s

When in doubt, leave it out.

studies show that it works. just nor exactly the biological mechanism. Im sure it has been discovered, and the info is probably available elsewhere on the web. I would assume it is partly due to balancing electrolytes.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Adding an extra emphasis on coop security against predators.

My current flock has 22 females of laying age.
There are 11 pullets with the rest heading into molt.
I have been consistently getting 16-18 eggs a day for at least 6 weeks now as the pullets came into lay.

Today just 2 and both still very warm.

Time to put the padlock back on the coop as human predators are the worst.

 

[BDutch]

I don’t really try to optimise egg laying but there are many items on the list I’d like to take care of/ provide my chickens for good health and a long happy life.

 

[igorsMistress]

I just provide the best food I can, limit treats, keep them big free and let them take their breaks when they need them. I don’t see the need to optimize anything.

 

[Coopin Is a Habit]

Adding an extra emphasis on coop security against predators.

My current flock has 22 females of laying age.
There are 11 pullets with the rest heading into molt.
I have been consistently getting 16-18 eggs a day for at least 6 weeks now as the pullets came into lay.

Today just 2 and both still very warm.

Time to put the padlock back on the coop as human predators are the worst.

Are you saying there are humans breaking into your coop and stealing eggs? If so that’s awful

 

[21hens-incharge]

Are you saying there are humans breaking into your coop and stealing eggs? If so that’s awful

Yes.
Once my pullets started to lay I was getting 16-18 eggs a day. Yesterday was 2 still warm from being laid. I put the lock back on and today's count is 13.
I have 22 old enough to lay so 2 is not acceptable.