Why Aren't My Chickens Laying? Here Are Your Answers!

[kcw0525]

Feeding layer every other day isn't going to give you good production. They are probably not getting enough protein, I would switch to a higher protein feed like an all flock and let them eat as much as they want. Provide a separate dish of oyster shells for the extra calcium.

You didn't mention how old they are, some are quitting now to molt. EE aren't always good at production, for me they have been hit and miss.

I'm sorry, I thought the egg shells were enough calcium for them? That's what I had read when I researched it. Didn't feel like I need to spend extra on oyster shell when they already produce calcium. But I can give it a try. We will also start feeding them every day to see if that helps. They are a year old this month.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm sorry, I thought the egg shells were enough calcium for them? That's what I had read when I researched it. Didn't feel like I need to spend extra on oyster shell when they already produce calcium. But I can give it a try. We will also start feeding them every day to see if that helps. They are a year old this month.

They more than likely will be molting here soon too, they will quit laying to do so. Oyster shells are a cheap way to make sure they get enough calcium, feeding eggshells is generally considered a supplement to them, they don't eat a lot and a bag lasts a long time.

 

[kcw0525]

They more than likely will be molting here soon too, they will quit laying to do so. Oyster shells are a cheap way to make sure they get enough calcium, feeding eggshells is generally considered a supplement to them, they don't eat a lot and a bag lasts a long time.

I understand. My only concern is they stopped laying 2 months ago. We expect them to molt between October and December sometimes, based on their age and how long they've been laying.

 

[sbeth]

So, I have 2 New Hampshire red, 2 brahma's and a speckled Sussex that is 24 weeks old. They haven't started laying, yet. Are these chicks late layers?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So, I have 2 New Hampshire red, 2 brahma's and a speckled Sussex that is 24 weeks old. They haven't started laying, yet. Are these chicks late layers?

My experiences were 6 months on the Sussex, I haven't had a NH but I believe they are around 5-6 months, and Brahma can be longer at 6-8 months. I would expect your NH to start first within the next month.

 

[Chicfan]

I've got Three freeloading slackers - they are about 28 weeks old, live in a chicken Hilton coop with plenty of backyard freerange time. Not an egg to be had. I have waved fried chicken legs at them as a threat with no success. All three eat like mad and are happy and healthy but feel no need to repay my investment. A barred rock, a RR and a SL Wyandotte- my dreams of fresh breakfast eggs are forever denied, it seems... :/ Ifi ever do get an egg, I figure it will have cost me about $600...so far....

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've got Three freeloading slackers - they are about 28 weeks old, live in a chicken Hilton coop with plenty of backyard freerange time. Not an egg to be had. I have waved fried chicken legs at them as a threat with no success. All three eat like mad and are happy and healthy but feel no need to repay my investment. A barred rock, a RR and a SL Wyandotte- my dreams of fresh breakfast eggs are forever denied, it seems... :/ Ifi ever do get an egg, I figure it will have cost me about $600...so far....

They could have found a nice place somewhere in your backyard to lay their eggs. How do they look visually, as well as checking their vents to see if they look moist and active. Hidden nest sometimes can be hard to spot, they can be very sneaky about it.

I would physically check them out first, look for bright red combs that are shiny and check their vents, if signs point to laying I would get looking around and under stuff, they like being covered when laying, so under sheds or behind stacks of stuff are a good place to start.

 

[Chicfan]

They could have found a nice place somewhere in your backyard to lay their eggs. How do they look visually, as well as checking their vents to see if they look moist and active. Hidden nest sometimes can be hard to spot, they can be very sneaky about it.

I would physically check them out first, look for bright red combs that are shiny and check their vents, if signs point to laying I would get looking around and under stuff, they like being covered when laying, so under sheds or behind stacks of stuff are a good place to start.

Thanks for the advice- I did all that, they LOOK like they should be laying, especially the barred rock - she's got a nice, red comb and wattles and a bottom that J-Lo would envy. I have checked the backyard over thoroughly- nothing. Like several people have already said- they will lay when they are darned good and ready. I hope, at least!

 

[Ila88]

In Fall they often stop laying and molt. All their energy goes to growing new feathers. They will probably start up once the light comes back, around Christmas.

 

[Chicfan]

Ah, 3 weeks later.. and still no eggs. They are not molting- plumage is full, bright and beautiful on all three of them. Just no eggs. Getting very frustrated