Quail Not Laying

[Buster]

My quail were laying great- 3 eggs a day from 3 females every day almost without fail. Then, absolutely NOTHING for the last four days. What gives? The amount of light, feed, water, and anything else I can think of are consistent with what I've always done. Any ideas???

 

[ticks]

Egg eating???

 

[monarc23]

did you move them reciently? Are they anywhere near where predators can get them? If so they could be scared off laying (from either of my questions). Also, how old are they? I think i remember you saying just around maturity so they're not old at all. Now if they're like 2 years old they could just be slowin down.


edited to add if scared or moved, could take them 2 weeks to start up again-----they will also stop laying if the days have been cloudy with not enough sun if htey are only kept under natural light.

 

[Buster]

They haven't been moved and they are in a Brower brooder in my garage, so there's no chance of predation. They are about 4 months old. I am starting to think there is egg eating going on.

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
argh! i hope not i guess start lookin for some tiny egg shell particles

I haven't had any egg eaters here yet, and i better not darn it! LOL

 

[bigjohn]

A few of my birds laid all winter without fail, then when Spring came and the days got longer, they moulted a bit (feathers flying all over) and quit laying for about a week or two. Maybe they are just taking a rest or moulting? Now my birds are laying everyday. I thought they only moulted in the Fall of the year. Guess any light changes can affect them.

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
I have NO clue why i didnt think of that!!! Yeah i wonder if that's what it is a molt and not an egg eater!

I hope so egg eaters arent fun lol

 

[Buster]

Well, they are on wire and I cleaned out the droppings pan last night and didn't see any bits of shell or yolk today, so maybe they are just molting. They are inside under artificial lights for a few more days until their outside pen is functional, so it's probably just as well that they quit for now.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Steve]

I thought you were working away from the puter.....

 

[Buster]

Well, Steve, I'm not back to work full-time yet. About 30 hours a week right now. It gives me time to get a few more things done for now. Unfortunately, we just got a good snowfall so it could slow things down even more.

I think I figured out why my quail quit laying. I altered my watering system slightly and it didn't tip at enough of an angle to keep them in water. I did a routine check of the waterer today and realized they were out of water. I'm not sure for how long.

At least I caught it before they died of thirst. I can almost bet money that's why they stopped laying. I hope I didn't ruin them.