Pullets started then STOPPED!

[HuskerChickMom]

My spring hatch pullets started laying about 6 weeks ago, laid for about 2 weeks and then stopped completely! I thought maybe they were finding a new place to lay, but then we had a cold snap here in Nebraska so they were completely cooped up for a week and still didn’t lay any! I’m not sure what’s going on. My older hens are still laying, but there’s only 8 of them and 25 pullets so I’d really like the pullets to start up again. Any ideas? We’ve increased their feed since it’s getting colder too.

 

[AGeese]

If they are laying they are no longer pullets I don't think.

 

[Aunt Angus]

My spring hatch pullets started laying about 6 weeks ago, laid for about 2 weeks and then stopped completely! I thought maybe they were finding a new place to lay, but then we had a cold snap here in Nebraska so they were completely cooped up for a week and still didn’t lay any! I’m not sure what’s going on. My older hens are still laying, but there’s only 8 of them and 25 pullets so I’d really like the pullets to start up again. Any ideas? We’ve increased their feed since it’s getting colder too.

My spring pullets aren't hatching, either. It's probably the season. They need .ore daylight to increase laying. I bet they'll be fine once the days lengthen a bit. But it couldn't hurt to look them over for any ailments/parasites that might be contributing to the issue.

If they are laying they are no longer pullets I don't think.

They are pullets until they are 1 year old, I'm pretty sure.

 

[AGeese]

My spring pullets aren't hatching, either. It's probably the season. They need .ore daylight to increase laying. I bet they'll be fine once the days lengthen a bit. But it couldn't hurt to look them over for any ailments/parasites that might be contributing to the issue.


They are pullets until they are 1 year old, I'm pretty sure.

Yes, but a hen is a pullet that has started laying though right?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Yes, but a hen is a pullet that has started laying though right?

That's not how I learned it, but maybe different folks have different definitions?

Or I could be just plain wrong.

 

[HuskerChickMom]

My spring pullets aren't hatching, either. It's probably the season. They need .ore daylight to increase laying. I bet they'll be fine once the days lengthen a bit. But it couldn't hurt to look them over for any ailments/parasites that might be contributing to the issue.


They are pullets until they are 1 year old, I'm pretty sure.

I’ve looked them over for external parasites. What do you usually do for internal parasites? We’ve never had a problem before. We feed them pumpkins in the fall which I’ve heard helps with worms and such. This is our 6th year with chickens and I’ve never seen them start and then completely stop!

 

[Mrs. K]

I have no idea, but am in the same mess. No eggs. I have 5 pullets, all with nice combs all with no eggs.

Someone on here said that the excessive heat we had in the summer may have thrown them off. We had several days over 105, and a some over 110.

I don't know what else it could be, but I am in SD, so maybe you did too.

I look every day and nothing. I have never added light, but am seriously thinking about it. I am buying eggs.


Mrs K

 

[aart]

Not all pullets will lay thru their first winter.

We’ve increased their feed since it’s getting colder too.

Hmmm....how was their feed limited before?
They should have feed available every hour they are awake.

If they are laying they are no longer pullets I don't think.

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[Mrs. K]

You know it is a strange thing, but I have noticed for years, that when it first gets cold, my chickens eat less. I have no idea why.

 

[HuskerChickMom]

Not all pullets will lay thru their first winter.


Hmmm....how was their feed limited before?
They should have feed available every hour they are awake.


FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

Their feed wasn’t limited before. They free range during the summer so don’t require as much feed. All I meant by that is we increase the amount so they can eat plenty through the cold.