Stopped laying, it's been 7 months, something isnt right. PLEASE HELP!

[aqhaktberry3]

The pasture they roam in is surrounded by fence that is dug 3 feet into the ground so nothing can dig its way in. Also the dogs can't get in. We check several times a day and still nothing, or 1-2 eggs. I will keep them locked in the coop/run for a week. Thank you for all the suggestions. Keep em coming. It really is a mystery.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Take a couple eggs and mark them (I put an X on the big end) - so you do not gather and eat by mistake. Put these marked eggs into your nest boxes (usually the lower ones are favorites). If the eggs (or an egg) disappear you have an egg eater of some sort – bird or other. An egg in the box might entice the others to make a deposit also.

 

[chookchick]

Your post is really scaring me......I have six hens that haven't laid in at least six weeks. Several of them are clearly molting, but really!....Do you have any indication of whether they are in the egg-laying mode. For instance--do they squat for you?, are their combs red or pink, if you put oystershell out do they even touch it? Do you EVER hear the egg song? I haven't heard it for so long that the quiet is rather eerie. Don't have any great answers for you if they are not in the egg mode, but if anything seems to help, please let us know!

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
ohhhh thats a good idea try that while keeping them locked up kills 2 birds with one stone so to speak

 

[seramas]

You mentioned you feed cow-manna (calf-manna). It is very rich in vitamins and minerals, some of which can trigger laying if they are low and if levels are too high will stop birds from laying (copper comes to mind). Calf-manna should be less that 5% of daily diet which would be about 2 ounces (4 tablespoons). Hope you can solve this puzzle soon. Good Luck

 

[mullers3acers]

Quote:
I feel your pain I have 69 hens and one roo and have been getting 3 to 6 eggs a day for about two months now.

 

[digitS']

A "speedy" molt is about 4 weeks.

Molting doesn't always go in a uniform or consistent way.

Steve

 

[hen-thusiast]

Quote:
Great idea!

 

[redhen]

I think that something is eating them. Maybe even the hens themselves...they can devour a whole egg.. every last piece..you'll never even know that it was laid...or you have a sneaky egg sucking snake or rat stealing the eggs..

 

[ginbart]

Quote:
I feel your pain I have 69 hens and one roo and have been getting 3 to 6 eggs a day for about two months now.

Boy I thought I had it bad, I have 26 hens and I'm getting about 3 to 4 eggs a day.