Could be worms even. I’d give a dewormer just in case and do look over for mites if you think it could be that. At 3 years old their egg production will be slowing down but not completely stopping. My birds sometimes start their molts early and cease laying for a while but July is a bit too soon and they’d probably be done by now if that was the case. I’d actually try to get them more protein right now since it sounds like there could be something going on.
A feed with 18% protein or more will help them through the cold winter. They won't need a layer feed during the winter so you can feed an all-flock or a non-medicated chick starter.
In the summer we had many rats that were getting in the run/coop. That is no longer an issue as we put 1/4 inch chicken wire throughout the whole coop including the floor. Could that have caused stress??
I mean, could have been. I’ve heard some people saying rats have nibbled their chickens toes or harassed them while inside but I haven’t experienced it myself to be able to give you an answer.
One just finished molting and one is molting now. Surprisingly, the one molting one has a red comb now-so strange.
I read that too. That’s what made us really focus on getting rid of them. So glad we haven’t seen them…
Thank you for that information. I haven’t noticed any mites on them. I have put DE down on the soil/sand for dust baths. Heard that was supposed to help but I’m unsure…Is there any way to tell?
I have had amazing results with
DE only works when it's dry and isn't terribly effective. It's also a respiratory irritant and generally not effective enough to warrant putting your birds in danger.
