Quails stop laying after...

[Hope Hughes]

So a few days ago we culled about 30 males between our two coops.
I was getting about 33 eggs a day. Once we culled the males it dropped to 15, 13, 10 and now only 3.... are they going on strike? Are they just coping with the changes??
I know the ones we culled were males, except 1 I messed up on...

Any ideas?? ​

 

[Erkenstein]

Interesting. Do you have any males at all with the ones who have stopped laying? I've read that having males around can stimulate laying.

Were there any other changes (feed, lighting, etc.) that might affect it not related to removing the males?

They're probably just adjusting to the new reality.

 

[DK newbie]

The capture and disappearance of their flock mates probably stressed them. They'll start laying again

 

[Hope Hughes]

Interesting. Do you have any males at all with the ones who have stopped laying? I've read that having males around can stimulate laying.

Were there any other changes (feed, lighting, etc.) that might affect it not related to removing the males?

They're probably just adjusting to the new reality.

Thanks yes there are still males in there. More then I would like but didnt have time to cull the others. And haven't changed food or anyting... they are on natural light no subs.

The capture and disappearance of their flock mates probably stressed them. They'll start laying again

Woo! I hope so, this is th most we have taken from their flock at once. I'm hoping it is very very temp!
​

 

[feedman77]

Had a pen with 25 hens and 40 males. Removed 35 males. The hens went on a egg laying strike for about 3 weeks. But they are back to laying again.

Guess they didn't like removal of extra males.

 

[RosieR]

I had the opposite thing happen. I removed all roos but one from my 3 females, and they started laying next day lol. But it could have also been coincidence.

 

[Hope Hughes]

Had a pen with 25 hens and 40 males. Removed 35 males. The hens went on a egg laying strike for about 3 weeks. But they are back to laying again.

Guess they didn't like removal of extra males.

One would think they would be happy!!
They were over mating and fighting.
​