Sudden Egg Decline. Thoughts?

[MROO]

The only "dumb questions" are the ones we're embarrassed to ask, so we make a "dumb mistake" that costs us much more - emotionally as well as financially. That's why I LOVE BYC. No matter how foolish my question seems to me, there's someone here willing to help answer it. Thank you, Friends!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I hate to sound dumb but I never knew they were supposed to be switched during down time - this is good information! Since we are just have a backyard flock and don't really add lights in the winter much, we should probably switch off layer then too?

It's worked way better for me. I had troubles on a layer too. I saw feather and egg eating, as well as more calcium deposits on my eggs and wonky shells. I switched a few years ago and my flock has been much healthier. Every flock is different. If layer is working for people, than fine, but I have found it wasn't right for my birds, and my husbandry.

 

[mikgub]

Thanks, aart. I think retraining is in order, even if they aren't hiding eggs. I didn't mind them laying in the barn, but the goats might. I am using the DuMor layer feed from TSC right now, though I'm planning to grab a bag of all-flock or mix with a higher protein feed as soon as I can get to town.

 

[mikgub]

I hate to sound dumb but I never knew they were supposed to be switched during down time - this is good information! Since we are just have a backyard flock and don't really add lights in the winter much, we should probably switch off layer then too?

You might want to make that decision based on how much they lay in the winter (if at all). Although I'm really thinking about trying an all-flock year-round anyway, based on some of the comments here and on other threads I've read today.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You might want to make that decision based on how much they lay in the winter (if at all). Although I'm really thinking about trying an all-flock year-round anyway, based on some of the comments here and on other threads I've read today.

Mine lay in the winter. I feed the all flock year round. The higher protein helps to optimize production in any season.

 

[mikgub]

Just wanted to follow up and let you all know that we found a stash of eggs (over 30!). It wasn't enough eggs to make up for all that we'd missed, but it certainly did solve some of the mystery. I still appreciate all the advice and am trying out all-flock feed now instead. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Those birds can be so sneaky.