Tried Everything, No Eggs....

[family farm ma]

I've got 13 hens, most of whom are 1 1/2 - 2 years old. While I realize that egg production drops as they age, I was getting 3-4 eggs all winter, and am STILL getting 3-4 eggs. I have been raising chickens for several years (10?), and have never had a problem like this. I have wormed them, treated them for coccidiosis, given away the rooster (he was beautiful, but a bit rough on them), and dusted multiple times for mites. Each treatment has been given 2-3 weeks to improve the situation - nothing! I have barred rock and red comets, with two white leghorns. Last year, I was getting 9-11 eggs per day from these birds once they started laying - raised them from pullets. They have a big, airy coop, which I clean weekly, and about a 50 x 50 ft. fenced-in area. The area is void of anything green, as they have destroyed it all over the years. I feed Purina Layena, and supplement with grass clippings and weeds. They eat well and look and act healthy, and their droppings are normal. Any suggestions, other than to ID the layers, off the rest, and start over?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What's the protein percentage on that feed? I would try upping the protein content. Many pullets lay wonderful their first season with a big drop off the second. Keeping them on a higher protein ration, 18-22%, and limiting extras can help to optimize production.

 

[family farm ma]

What's the protein percentage on that feed? I would try upping the protein content. Many pullets lay wonderful their first season with a big drop off the second. Keeping them on a higher protein ration, 18-22%, and limiting extras can help to optimize production.

Hi, Old Hen! Thanks for the reply. There are absolutely no feeds on the market with higher than 16% guaranteed protein, except for individually mixed feed rations at the local mill, which are obscenely expensive, even in quantity. Will try adding whey protein to increase the %. Forgot to mention that we didn't give them anything extra for two weeks - just their layer feed - and had no improvement.

 

[Trux]

Hi, Old Hen! Thanks for the reply. There are absolutely no feeds on the market with higher than 16% guaranteed protein, except for individually mixed feed rations at the local mill, which are obscenely expensive, even in quantity. Will try adding whey protein to increase the %. Forgot to mention that we didn't give them anything extra for two weeks - just their layer feed - and had no improvement.

I have to disagree with you on the feed statement, unless it is a location thing. I can get up to 30% protein feed at TSC. It is a game bird feed I give during molt and yes it is expensive compared to the others. I usually buy and mix layer which is 16% and grower which is 20%. The 20% goes in the dry feeder and the 16% goes in the wet feeder with black sunflower seeds and a bit of cracked corn. I have 11 layers atm and I get 8-9 eggs daily.

 

[snow5164]

Don’t the red comets have a short life ? I thought I heard they have a very short laying life 1- 1 1/2 years....

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hi, Old Hen! Thanks for the reply. There are absolutely no feeds on the market with higher than 16% guaranteed protein, except for individually mixed feed rations at the local mill, which are obscenely expensive, even in quantity. Will try adding whey protein to increase the %. Forgot to mention that we didn't give them anything extra for two weeks - just their layer feed - and had no improvement.

I'm assuming you are thinking a layer as far as protein percentage? I personally don't feed a layer due to the lower protein. I prefer a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock ration. I put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Layer isn't necessary, and can sometimes leave hens deficit especially if fed year round.

 

[family farm ma]

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. I found a 21% feed, and have been feeding now for 2 weeks (gradually mixing it in to their current feed in larger quantities) and have seen absolutely no increase in egg production. Will give them a month or so, watch for molting, then might just start over once I identify the layers.

 

[chickens really]

I'm not thinking a feed issue..I'm thinking stress and do they have access to fresh cool water and has it been hot outside?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. I found a 21% feed, and have been feeding now for 2 weeks (gradually mixing it in to their current feed in larger quantities) and have seen absolutely no increase in egg production. Will give them a month or so, watch for molting, then might just start over once I identify the layers.

It can take some time. Egg production in general is already decreasing. The best production is usually seen in early spring. The molt will start in August and go through to December generally. So if you have some that are gonna molt earlier than they will start to shut down egg production for the season already. I personally am getting about half the eggs that I got a month ago, and it will continue to fall as we go into the fall.

 

[family farm ma]

Yes, it's been hot, but we have had LOTS of water (it's cold starting out, and kept inside a dark area of the barn), kept fresh daily to compensate.