Stopped laying... Ugh

[NatJ]

Apple seeds are not good for them, the apples are OK but take out the seeds!

Apple seeds in moderation will not hurt chickens.

So don't give them a dish of plain apple seeds, but there is no reason to worry about giving apples or apple cores to chickens.

 

[Murdy]

Apple seeds are not good for them, the apples are OK but take out the seeds!

Really!? Shoot.... I'll have to revamp things then. Thanks!

 

[Murdy]

Apple seeds in moderation will not hurt chickens.

So don't give them a dish of plain apple seeds, but there is no reason to worry about giving apples or apple cores to chickens.

Well then... Now I have to research.

 

[NatJ]

Well then... Now I have to research.

You could read this older thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/warning-apple-seeds-are-poisonous.606016/

In that thread, the first poster says one chicken dropped dead shortly after eating apple seeds, but then many other people tell of their chickens eating apples (with seeds) with no problem. They never do establish what killed the original poster's chicken, but it's a fine collection of people saying that apple seeds never hurt their chickens.

 

[Murdy]

You could read this older thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/warning-apple-seeds-are-poisonous.606016/

In that thread, the first poster says one chicken dropped dead shortly after eating apple seeds, but then many other people tell of their chickens eating apples (with seeds) with no problem. They never do establish what killed the original poster's chicken, but it's a fine collection of people saying that apple seeds never hurt their chickens.

Thanks for the link!!

My girls have eaten a lot of whole apples, that's for sure. There's an apple tree above their run.... They get all of the fallen ones.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

Do your chickens free range? It could also be that they found a "better" place to lay their eggs than the one you picked. That's what I check for first when production declines.

 

[Murdy]

Do your chickens free range? It could also be that they found a "better" place to lay their eggs than the one you picked. That's what I check for first when production declines.

Yes, they do... And trust me.... I've searched high and low. They do have one spot (my compost bin), but I haven't found any other.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

Yes, they do... And trust me.... I've searched high and low. They do have one spot (my compost bin), but I haven't found any other.

I agree about the heat and the need to feed a complete feed with minimal treats, etc, but if your coop is cool enough, roomy enough, etc, you might keep them in for a day or two. If they have been laying elsewhere, they will have to lay inside. I admit I haven't read every post in this thread, so I may have missed critical info

 

[Murdy]

I agree about the heat and the need to feed a complete feed with minimal treats, etc, but if your coop is cool enough, roomy enough, etc, you might keep them in for a day or two. If they have been laying elsewhere, they will have to lay inside. I admit I haven't read every post in this thread, so I may have missed critical info

The only issue with that is that I've recently introduced 3 young orpingtons. They all seem to be getting along fine, but I want them to have as much space as possible as the 2 flocks integrate together. The orpingtons are only about half of the size of my next smallest girl, so I don't want them to end up getting beaten.

I've certainly considered this, and normally when I go out of town for a few days I'll close them into the run. For now though, not really an option.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

The only issue with that is that I've recently introduced 3 young orpingtons. They all seem to be getting along fine, but I want them to have as much space as possible as the 2 flocks integrate together. The orpingtons are only about half of the size of my next smallest girl, so I don't want them to end up getting beaten.

I've certainly considered this, and normally when I go out of town for a few days I'll close them into the run. For now though, not really an option.

That totally makes sense. Good luck!