White Rock hens quit laying?

[FURSANDFEATHERS]

I posted earlier that my WRocks killed two of their sisters. I hung heads of cabbage and the pecking stopped. We also increased the size of the run by five feet thinking they were crowded. Could this be why the WRocks hens have stopped laying? My two RIR hens have been laying everyday.We can't free range because of dogs running loose in our area.

 

[trunkman]

I have white rocks also, I introduced chicks a month ago and their egg production dropped to 1 egg a day, today nothing. They are way too sensitive for me, I've tried treats, extra free ranging and still nothing. Once my chicks start laying its freezer camp for the white rocks! The rocks are also very aggressive towards the chicks even after a month...

 

[FURSANDFEATHERS]

Thanks. I'll give them away before the later. Can't bring myself to kill them. I'm hoping they will come around.

 

[trunkman]

Update, just went to put them to bed, found one egg!!

 

[kathyinmo]

That is odd, that you think they killed 2 hens? Are you sure about this? The fact that 2 are dead, and the egg production is down, can suggest many other things. Have you checked them over for lice or mites? Feel how heavy or light weight they feel. What about predators? Any chance they have been stressed or cornered by a predator? I think I would investigate this a little further.

Good luck.

 

[feathersnuggles]

Pecking can suggest a protein deficiency; egg production, as well, requires good level of protein. If the hen-pecking was enough to KILL 2 hens and if egg production is way down, I'd wonder if they need more protein.

In addition to investigating what Kathy already mentioned above, I would give them a little extra protein in the form of a quality dry cat food or some meat or fish scraps. Plus, add some vitamin/mineral supplements, if you're not already doing that. And make sure they always have clean fresh water available.

 

[sc anderson]

My white rocks are very easy going. White Rocks not known to be mean. I'm looking for a white rock rooster myself. Live in Anderson SC area if anyone has one for sale. Changing from having most'ly RIR to White Rocks. RIR can be a little craby with each other at times. Have notice that when I have a rooster the hens do behave better. Hope it works out for you let us know how it's going! I don't think because they are White Rock's you're haveing this problem.

 

[FURSANDFEATHERS]

I rescued the WR girls from a horrible situation. They were all a year old and their living conditions were very bad. No roost, no cover and they all cramed into a laundry basket at night. The two that were killed died from being peck at the back of their necks. We witness this behavior during feeding time. We always found the hens in a corner first thing in the morning. No predator did this. They don't have any parasites or worms. I'm leaning toward competition for food in the deaths because of their poor beginnings. I am going to try the cat food for possible lack of protein. How much do I need to feed them? I have 2 RIR and 3 WR. Will it hurt to feed this to the RIR's?
Thank you for all your help. Looking forward to posting some good news!