Underperforming hens

[publicradio]

Hi, I have two hens and a drake, all Khaki Campbell. My old Khakis used to lay an egg a day, and they were quite large. The new ones lay half as much as that, at best.

At first I thought only one was laying at all, but there will often be a couple days when no one's laying anything. More recenly, I got 9 new duckings and they are sleeping in the coop at night. I reinforced the run with a roof and 'walls' made of storm windows, and the adult ducks stay in the run at night. They have been in there for three nights and have not laid anything.

So I guess I have two questions. First, how do I get my ducks to lay more? And second, if one is performing more poorly than the other, is there any way to determine this?

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Hi, I have two hens and a drake, all Khaki Campbell. My old Khakis used to lay an egg a day, and they were quite large. The new ones lay half as much as that, at best.

At first I thought only one was laying at all, but there will often be a couple days when no one's laying anything. More recenly, I got 9 new duckings and they are sleeping in the coop at night. I reinforced the run with a roof and 'walls' made of storm windows, and the adult ducks stay in the run at night. They have been in there for three nights and have not laid anything.

So I guess I have two questions. First, how do I get my ducks to lay more? And second, if one is performing more poorly than the other, is there any way to determine this?

Hi there,

I have KC's and they are epic and consistent layers

But !

There have been periods where they have just stopped and I think there are a number of variables - weather, food, new ducks, a bit of a shock, mild dehydration etc

If that were my ladies and they were displaced from their usual habits and routines, I would most definitely not be getting eggs.

It would usually take them at least a week to get over an egg laying strike no matter what the reason.

Appreciate that didnt quite answer your question but I hope it helps.