Why don't they lay??

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! I'm surprised the RIR didn't lay an egg or two in September. Are there any possible hiding places? Mine have done that from time to time. Except during the short days of winter, when I see a drop in egg production, I begin to look for their hiding place.

 

[Cjrolland]

Yes, like everyone said, welcome to BYC! You’ll meet great people on here and make great friends! They are always willing to help! We love seeing pictures so feel free to post some! As for your hens, I have some ducks who don’t produce and so I understand. Are they possibly laying in the run? I have one chicken that lays in weird places sometimes. Perhaps some oyster shells would help? That was suggested to me with my ducks. Perhaps giving them a light source during these shorter days could boost their hormone levels and trick their bodies. I’m hoping someone will come along with better advice since my chickens do well, but my ducks still do not. Regardless, welcome from all of us and I’m sure you will enjoy getting to know us and we look forward to learning more about your flock!

 

[Cjrolland]

Thank you for the advice and the welcome! I was thinking of playing around with a light and timer. I know that's what commercial egg producers do.

 

[Cjrolland]

I know your frustration. Your flock is in a good position . It is winter and shorter day light will trigger a rest period. By waiting to spring your hens will be more mature when they do go into lay and lay a bigger egg. They will lay bigger eggs all their lives compared to other. I do not recommend putting lights on them now. You will get eggs but you are forcing them them and missing out on bigger eggs for a long time in the future. As spring comes they will start laying . I have 10 month old hens that stopped laying and went into moult in the middle of December! I was counting on them to lay throughout winter. I expect them to go back into laying some time in January. If they look healthy and act healthy probably it is the light .

Sound good!! Definitely a lot of ootiins to consider. Thank you!!

 

[Cjrolland]

No ratsnakes here. The bedding isn't all that thick but I do get some in the run sometimes bit from the same chicken. I really am enjoying everybody's amazing advice! Thank you all so much!!