Thoughts on Cicadas, more Protein, less Feed...did Not work for us. Less eggs

[C Siena]

So we noticed that 3 weeks ago with the arrival of the cicadas that we had a bonus of the extra protein and eating less feed. Wrong, I think, for us.

They devoured the cicadas, ate much less of the Layer feed. I write how many eggs we collect each day on a calendar . Within 3-4 days of the cicada gorging, our egg count went Down. From 13-16 per day to 8-12 per day. I was watching the hens to find out who was laying in a different area to no avail. I offered extra egg shells, which they consumed in great quantities in the afternoon and eve. Still low egg production for about 3 weeks. Also 2-3 softish shells and 3 with cracks, something we have not dealt with since shortly after they began laying, Common denominator...cicadas- more protein, less calcium and all that is in Layer feed.

The last 3 days, most of the cicadas are gone, after 3 weeks. Our egg production is now about 13-15 per day.

Curious if anyone noticed any difference in egg production/quality for the time of the cicadas. If not, did you change any feed/treats during that time. Of course, I am guessing but in looking at my notes for each day, when the cicadas began...I'll let you know that for about 3 years I was a paid CI.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You might want to try offering oyster shells for the calcium supplement as it stays in the body longer than eggshells. It is curious your production dropped off. I don't feed a layer ration here. You would think more protein would mean increased production, but perhaps it's harder to digest. Just guessing.

We are too far north for cicadas, but do get grasshoppers in the fall most years. Can't say if it slows production because of the time of year.

 

[nuthatched]

It's more than protein that's needed for eggs. It may be coincidence but at least you have less cicadas.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

So we noticed that 3 weeks ago with the arrival of the cicadas that we had a bonus of the extra protein and eating less feed. Wrong, I think, for us.

They devoured the cicadas, ate much less of the Layer feed. I write how many eggs we collect each day on a calendar . Within 3-4 days of the cicada gorging, our egg count went Down. From 13-16 per day to 8-12 per day. I was watching the hens to find out who was laying in a different area to no avail. I offered extra egg shells, which they consumed in great quantities in the afternoon and eve. Still low egg production for about 3 weeks. Also 2-3 softish shells and 3 with cracks, something we have not dealt with since shortly after they began laying, Common denominator...cicadas- more protein, less calcium and all that is in Layer feed.

The last 3 days, most of the cicadas are gone, after 3 weeks. Our egg production is now about 13-15 per day.

Curious if anyone noticed any difference in egg production/quality for the time of the cicadas. If not, did you change any feed/treats during that time. Of course, I am guessing but in looking at my notes for each day, when the cicadas began...I'll let you know that for about 3 years I was a paid CI.

If cicadas are like other insects, they’re pretty high in fat as well as in protein.

If that is so, maybe they were just “spoiling their appetites” with high protein-high fat snacks from the sky? And thus didn’t get enough of whatever is in the layer feed that they also needed for egg production.

 

[C Siena]

If cicadas are like other insects, they’re pretty high in fat as well as in protein.

If that is so, maybe they were just “spoiling their appetites” with high protein-high fat snacks from the sky? And thus didn’t get enough of whatever is in the layer feed that they also needed for egg production.

I don't know if both high protein and fat caused it but do know the egg production plummeted.
Just guessing and asking for opinions.

 

[C Siena]

It's more than protein that's needed for eggs. It may be coincidence but at least you have less cicadas.

I thought as they were eating so many, the higher protein and missing some nutrition from layer feed, caused the decline.

 

[nuthatched]

I thought as they were eating so many, the higher protein and missing some nutrition from layer feed, caused the decline.

There's really not much protein in live cicadas as one may think.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157523005242

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I thought as they were eating so many, the higher protein and missing some nutrition from layer feed, caused the decline.

^^^ This would be my guess.

In the wild, where no one is tracking egg production, this would be a temporary hiccup, like, ummm, bingeing on Girl Scout Thin Mints in February. Throws things off a bit, but they quickly return to normal. (Don’t ask me why this example came to mind.)

 

[C Siena]

There's really not much protein in live cicadas as one may think.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157523005242

Thanks. I'll have to check the nutrition in the adults and shells.
I'm a somewhat curious person so checked my calendar and notes. I'll look for more information.

 

[C Siena]

^^^ This would be my guess.

In the wild, where no one is tracking egg production, this would be a temporary hiccup, like, ummm, bingeing on Girl Scout Thin Mints in February. Throws things off a bit, but they quickly return to normal. (Don’t ask me why this example came to mind.)

Good example, good mind.