Stopped laying

[Steve Nickerson]

About 2 mo ago in mid Oct during a molt, my hens stopped laying. I added 3 hr of light with a reflector lamp 2 wk ago and still no eggs. Am I being impatient?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Have they completely regrown feathers? Feathers are 93% protein and birds can't regrow them and kick out a big lump of protein every day.
You may also want to add a bit of animal protein to the diet(essential amino acids)
What is your geographical location? That would determine if 3 hours is sufficient. We're only 2 weeks from winter solstice and days will begin to lengthen. That will help.
What breed of chickens are we talking about?
What is a reflector lamp? What type of lamp are you using? (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, etc.)

 

[Steve Nickerson]

Have they completely regrown feathers? Feathers are 93% protein and birds can't regrow them and kick out a big lump of protein every day.
You may also want to add a bit of animal protein to the diet(essential amino acids)
What is your geographical location? That would determine if 3 hours is sufficient. We're only 2 weeks from winter solstice and days will begin to lengthen. That will help.
What breed of chickens are we talking about?
What is a reflector lamp? What type of lamp are you using? (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, etc.)

All feathers are in, and I am in NE Georgia. They are Golden Nuggets. I use a 75W incandescent bulb in a reflector lamp, which is an aluminum shade that reflects the light in one direction.

 

[junebuggena]

Supplemental light needs to be added gradually. It's the gradual lengthening of days that triggers the pituitary gland to start producing the hormones needed for egg production.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

X2
An immediate change in day length isn't as effective as gradual lengthening.
You're just under 10 hours of day length now. Once they shut down for molting, it can take a bit for them to get the plumbing going again.
Are their combs still pale? Check the distance between the pelvic bones.
Those are indications that laying will resume shortly.
We need to remember that chickens are animals that feed us breakfast, not machines.
The Pineal gland is first to detect day length change.
75 watt incandescent is plenty, as long as it is detectable at roost height and as ambient light when they come down from roost.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi Steve and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
You've already gotten great advice, so I'll just welcome you to BYC.

 

[sourland]

What ChickenCanoe and Junebuggena said. Molting, day length, and I am guessing age are all factors impacting egg production. I am guessing that you have second year hens. They need a break from egg laying. Gradually increase day period to around 14 hours and they will lay again - unless that is they are really aged.

 

[Steve Nickerson]

Thanks to all for great advice. I really appreciate it.

 

[aart]

Am I being impatient?

Yes.

Me too.

You've gotten great advice.....I'll just add
Welcome to BYC!
and ...Here's a pretty good article on supplemental lighting.

 

[Steve Nickerson]

Yes.

Me too.

You've gotten great advice.....I'll just add
Welcome to BYC!
and ...Here's a pretty good article on supplemental lighting.

Thanks!