I have 7 silkie hens. One went broody May 1st, hatched and raised the chicks. She cut the apron strings yesterday, July 21st. From May 1st to July 21st NONE of the other silkies layed eggs. Not one egg. Yesterday, the day she stopped being "Mommy", the other silkies started laying eggs again. I have NEVER had this happen before...the entire flock stops laying because one hen hatches babies???
hmmm.. could they somehow be affected by the hormone levels of the broody chicken? Much like women living together will find they will many times sync up when it come to their monthly cycle? Just a thought....
Wow! I have never heard that. I asked my grandma. She raised chickens for years and she said that she has never had that happen to her. Weird!
Yes weird huh!! I've had silkies for over 6 years. Hatched chicks using silkie hens but I ALWAYS had some eggs. This is the first time its ever happened. My husband brought up the hormone thing yesterday. rebbetzin, you may be on to something...