Three months no eggs, help.

[cjpines]

I posted awhile back, but couldn't find my thread, so again here it is.

All our hens molted way back in August. Two are 3 1/3 years old and four are two years. They have quit molting a month ago. We have put a light on in the early AM in coop and we got two eggs and were pretty happy, then nothing since. I've cleaned out the coop. Feeding them as usual, nothing changed for that.
The Americana's were great layers and they are 2 years old, Welsummer and Wyandotte both 2 years old also good layers. The two that are 3 1/2 I don't expect anything from them, just pets.

They all are healthy, been giving them oyster shells also.

What do you think is the problem?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The problem is the time of year. Generally this time of year production slows or stops. Adding lights can help, but it needs to be done correctly so it simulates increasing daylight, otherwise all you are doing is wasting electricity, and possibly messing them up. Most hens will resume laying from December to March with the highest production for the year being seen from April to July.

 

[Maranera]

my chickens hatched in early spring, and they are both dual-purpose breeds, but neither have laid yet. they have both been on layer feed for more than a month.

 

[cjpines]

Reply to Oldhenlikesdog
We live in Placerville, California and last year the Ameraucana's all four layed through the year. I will hope in December they will start, thank you.

 

[junebuggena]

my chickens hatched in early spring, and they are both dual-purpose breeds, but neither have laid yet. they have both been on layer feed for more than a month.

Starting layer feed too soon can actually slow down development.

 

[Maranera]

Starting layer feed too soon can actually slow down development.

if I took them off now, would it do anything now that they've been on layer this long?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Reply to Oldhenlikesdog
We live in Placerville, California and last year the Ameraucana's all four layed through the year. I will hope in December they will start, thank you.

Your hens best production is the first year, with the second being slightly less but larger eggs. At year three and beyond production begin to drop. Some do it slowly, for others it can be dramatic.

Keeping them on a higher protein ration can help to optimize production. Hens fed a layer seem to get depleted, especially after a year or so on it. To optimize production feed something with 18-22% protein and limit extras. Calcium needs can be met by a separate bowl of oyster shells. Beyond that there's not much more you can do except keep stress low and your hens will lay, if and when they can.

 

[aart]

We have put a light on in the early AM in coop and we got two eggs and were pretty happy, then nothing since.

When did you add the light and is it on a timer?