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Start and Stop/Inconsistent Laying

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Feathered Gal, Nov 14, 2007.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Nov 14, 2007 #1
    Feathered Gal

    Feathered Gal Hatching

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    Nov 14, 2007
    Beavercreek, OH
    I have four laying hens 2 Americuna and 2 Bantam Buff Brahma, (and one Bantam Wyandotte that has never laid an egg.)
    Obtained on 17 August - not laying, brought them into laying in about 2 weeks.
    The four layers were providing about 2 eggs a day up until late October. Suddenly, they all stopped laying. Period.
    The two Bantams have started up again -
    as I've had 4 eggs in five days (from my observation 2 from each gal.) The Americunas have stopped completely - and they were each laying an egg a day before!
    I have 24 hour a day lighting (40 watt) in the henhouse - and they have an outdoor run. The weather is cool - but the henhouse is cozy warm.
    Have the daylight hours affected them, despite my supplemental lighting? What can you suggest to get the Americuna girls to lay again?
    Change in feed? change in environment.

    Many thanks!
    Cheryl
     
  2. Nov 14, 2007 #2
    debashan

    debashan Songster

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    Aug 11, 2007
    Oquawka, IL
    First thing I would try is cut the lighting back to 14hrs. a day, and of course use a 16-17% layer feed. I think they need to rest in darkness, I use a 7watt nitelite 24/7, but have my bright light on a timer that goes on at 4am, it gets dark here at 5pm. Good Luck, Debbie
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2007

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