***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[SharkmanDan]

Since I don't have any yet, that's good to know, in advance. I'll likely not be able to budget for it, for some time. Probably need to hunt for any pheasant I want to eat, until then.

 

[TipihlowLadies]

What can cause hens to stop laying I have not changed a thing last winter we slowed but 43 hens and one egg per day I might as well butcher they pay for them selves or they can't stay!!

 

[Matt in Okla]

What can cause hens to stop laying I have not changed a thing last winter we slowed but 43 hens and one egg per day I might as well butcher they pay for them selves or they can't stay!!

I'm going thru a little of the same but 5 hens to one egg. They just got out of molt then daylight hours waned and temps are fluctuating so for me it's a combination I guess.
I'd say give them some time but there are much more knowledgeable people here than me.

 

[SharkmanDan]

What can cause hens to stop laying I have not changed a thing last winter we slowed but 43 hens and one egg per day I might as well butcher they pay for them selves or they can't stay!!

Simply put, LIGHT!

Two -three weeks ago, I was getting 4-5 eggs a week, out of 25 hens. I turned lights on in the coop, on a timer, and I'm getting 9 a day, now, and it gets better, every day.
Lots of people will tell you lots of "cures" like Karo syrup in water. It's all BS.
CHICKENS NEED LIGHT! Other factors can help. But, 14 hours of light per day, is the best solution.

 

[NanaKat]

I wouldn t try and raise them together. Split the pen. They have way different personalitys. both are fun to raise tho. I prefer the goldens,but I like pretty over eating on some birds!lol Nan do you eat your pheasants?
Looks like its going to be a pretty day here. in the 20s last nite. luckly I have only had one baby pigeon at the wrong feather stage this cold spell. ten other babys have survived. did have to move the guniea piggys into the house. wife was a little understanding! lol of course there are twenty of them!

Lots of squeaks and squeals I bet!
Yes, we eat some of our pheasants and a lot of the Coturnix quail.

 

[TipihlowLadies]

Simply put, LIGHT!

Two -three weeks ago, I was getting 4-5 eggs a week, out of 25 hens. I turned lights on in the coop, on a timer, and I'm getting 9 a day, now, and it gets better, every day.
Lots of people will tell you lots of "cures" like Karo syrup in water. It's all BS.
CHICKENS NEED LIGHT! Other factors can help. But, 14 hours of light per day, is the best solution.

why did they lay the last few years without light

 

[Kassaundra]

why did they lay the last few years without light

A lot of times young new layers can lay all winter w/o light, but when they get a little age on them they need the extra light if you want them to lay through the winter.

 

[SharkmanDan]

why did they lay the last few years without light

Young hens lay better, than older hens. The good part is that older hens, are more likely to lay bigger eggs. Just less frequently.

 

[Okla-doodle-doo]

laying can also be attributed to breeds to. lighter breeds are less likely to lay in cold weather. but if you haven,t changed birds it is more than likely,just birds age,less light and moulting season.
we are havening such good weather I hate to complain but sure worry it will be bad once winter finally hits.

 

[lonnyandrinda]

A lot of times young new layers can lay all winter w/o light, but when they get a little age on them they need the extra light if you want them to lay through the winter.

x2. They were "spring chickens" and their bodies were young and healthy. Now they are older, the reduced daylight hours are telling their bodies to take a break.