Oldish Hens

[KateGoad]

So we have a lovely flock of birds. 16 hens ranging from 6 months to three years. Eight roosters we are selling as soon as we can catch them on auction day.

The older ladies - a RIR and an EE have been great layers for two and one-half years. RIR molted twice, EE never molted. Neither lay anymore, and neither does a 2 year old Australorp who was a champion layer. Thoughts?

are they done?

The old ladies were among our first chickens, so we don't know the cycle yet.

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[LikeTurkeys]

They should be slowing down, but I wouldn't say they're done. How long have they not been laying? They may still be a little slow from winter still.

 

[sourland]

They may very well start laying at a reduced rate as the day light period increases.

 

[aart]

Eight roosters we are selling as soon as we can catch them on auction day.

Grab them off the roost at night after dark and stick them in cage you transport with.

Neither lay anymore, and neither does a 2 year old Australorp who was a champion layer. Thoughts? are they done?

How long since they've laid?
Might just be on winter break still, depending on your climate.

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[KateGoad]

In central Kansas, the other girls are laying up a storm, though. We have 16 hens and get about ten eggs a day right now.

as for the Roos, I like that idea. Right now we are going Pavlovian-squash mid afternoon in the chicken run while I say hello in chicken and announce that it is squash time. Yours sounds more likely to succeed.

I love how pretty my eggs are!

 

[KateGoad]

One laid an egg! And has gone broody. We are going to let her, I think.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

One laid an egg! And has gone broody. We are going to let her, I think.

That's good. Hopefully they will kick up laying soon (except for the broody).