Who is laying the eggs?? Ideas to find out??

[aart]

Quote: Then you'd know how to hit the right hole, eh?

Sorry.

 

[triplepurpose]

Vent Appearance:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying.

Pelvic Points, feel for the 2 bony points(pelvic bones 'F') on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

Yep added description above again

This is good advice. Only one caveat I would add is to keep in mind that the actual pelvic spacing varies from individual and especially breed. Not only are some breeds just smaller or larger but they may be differently shaped.

This really tripped me up when i tried this on a mixed flock of gold sex links and EEs: the EEs mostly had much narrower spacing. Since its the RELATIVE MEASUREMENTS of the same hen that matter, It really helps the more familiar you are with handling your hens, particularly both when they are and arent laying.

Also, similarly, measuring the space between the pelivc bones and the breastbone can also be informative. it should widen noticeably as well when in lay.

 

[aart]

Well, yes, everything should be taken with a grain, or more, of salt.
Guess I'll have to add more modifiers.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

It is still a mystery. I started grabbing up my Buff Orpingtons today. The first one seemed to have all the signs she is a layer. The second gal I grabbed had lice and so my entire mission to find the egg layer was derailed by my new mission to destroy lice! Yuck!

 

[aart]

It is still a mystery. I started grabbing up my Buff Orpingtons today. The first one seemed to have all the signs she is a layer. The second gal I grabbed had lice and so my entire mission to find the egg layer was derailed by my new mission to destroy lice! Yuck!

Vent and pelvic point exams can take some practice...after you've had some experience it'll be easy peasy.

Finding the lice is a good thing, and a good reason to regularly examine your birds butts.
Permethrin powder or spray should knock em out pretty quick, and no egg withdrawal.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Then you'd know how to hit the right hole, eh?

Sorry.

Generally, yes, though with the design of the bottle it was more of a "douse everything and hope something makes it to the right place" lol

When we did AI in school it was so weird. The hens would actually back their backsides up to the side of the cage for you in anticipation of the procedure. You didn't even have to take them out. It was a bit creepy and perverse lol.

 

[ChxLadyCass]

Vent and pelvic point exams can take some practice...after you've had some experience it'll be easy peasy.

Finding the lice is a good thing, and a good reason to regularly examine your birds butts.
Permethrin powder or spray should knock em out pretty quick, and no egg withdrawal.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray

Yes I think we need that practice! Weekly butt checks now until they are cleared up! Then bi-weekly! I am almost begging for the lice to be the culprit for my girls not laying. I miss eggs! Luckily a friend gives us as many of hers as we need. I also learned that my australorps go CRAZY when they are caught. Both mother and daughter sqwuak an awful sound and then make a classic "ba-gawk" chicken sound afterwards. I think they need handled more

 

[aart]

Quote: That is odd and kinda creepy. Did you have to tidbit them and dance your feet to get them to do that hahaha!!
Probably made it much easier if they opened the vaginal door and closed the colon door.
Are you a vet....or..?

 

[PrettyChickens]

I have kept chickens for four years. My hens hardly ever lay in the winter. I found that if you put a light in the coop during the winter it can help them lay. I would definitely NOT get rid of your hens for not laying. It can take time for them to get in the swing of things

I have had hens take as long as 32 weeks to start laying. Just give them time and eventually they will lay

 

[PrettyChickens]

I have kept chickens for four years. My hens hardly ever lay in the winter. I found that if you put a light in the coop during the winter it can help them lay. I would definitely NOT get rid of your hens for not laying. It can take time for them to get in the swing of things

I have had hens take as long as 32 weeks to start laying. Just give them time and eventually they will lay

Sorry for the blue text