ChickenShepherd_6116
Songster
I have a 3 yo Buff Orpington hen who, every day, will sit on the nesting box for about an hour or so, but she never lays any eggs! This has been going on for about a week, give or take. About a month ago, one of my hens who escaped the run got killed by my dog, after that, my Buff Orpington started eating her eggs for like two weeks. Now, she has stopped laying altogether. I don't think the death of one of the flock members can affect a hen for that long...? I don't think she is broody, since she only sits on the nesting for a couple hours at most; never the whole day. Just incase it is a protein/calcium problem, I have started giving my hens scrambled eggs with powdered egg shell, along with a whole host of other herbs and paprika. Out of 3 hens, I am only getting eggs from ONE of them, which is very upsetting (one of them is simply too old and lays soft shelled eggs). The one hen who DOES lay eggs, lays beautiful shelled, dark yoked eggs. I haven't switched their feed very recently. They are eating Purina Starter Crumbles with free choice Oyster Shells because I have pullets. Killing her isn't really an option because she is very much considered a pet; getting eggs is ideal though!
Why isn't she laying any eggs? Why does she sit on the nesting box? How can I encourage her to lay eggs? Is this a permanent problem? Can it be solved? Will it solve itself over time?
Any knowledge and tips on the matter are greatly appreciated!!
Why isn't she laying any eggs? Why does she sit on the nesting box? How can I encourage her to lay eggs? Is this a permanent problem? Can it be solved? Will it solve itself over time?
Any knowledge and tips on the matter are greatly appreciated!!
