TheChookKeeper Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Hello all, Well, after the various incidents of theft of my little girls, they went through the whole process really well (those who came back, anyway), and I only missed a couple of eggs throughout the whole process. BUT - I would say about 5 days ago now, they ALL stopped laying. I have absolutely no idea why, they all seem as happy as they ever have, all still enjoy coming out into the garden at the weekend. Their combs look fine, and I haven't seen anything untoward going on between them at all. I just thought it was very strange to have them ALL stop laying the same day, and to not start up again after a couple of days. I have been leaving the door open on their house, so they an let themselves out in the morning, and the local fox has been getting pretty daring, usually he prowls around the perimeter, then leaves. More recently, he has been spotted ON the run, but still, the chooks were all indoors. Anyway - I have been closing the door the last 2 nights, thinking that way they wouldn't see any foxes, and would be protected from the weather. The only thing they are doing differently is that they have taken to ALL sleeping in the egg-laying bit of their cube, whereas usually they would all sleep in the roosting section. Any ideas? How long does it take from a scare to them starting to lay again? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Maybe the stress of the visits by the fox have put them off. Do be careful won't you. If the fox knows they are there he will strike if he gets the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Was just thinking the same, Egluntine. I'd be inclined to invest in a Foxwatch as maybe they can still sense its presence, even with the door shut, and also because it will increase their protection. The fox is very likely to persist, including visiting when they are in the run during daylight. They can even be unfazed by a human, so supervision has to be very close indeed. Could they have made a nest in the garden at the w/e? Do keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 That's what I was thinking - check for a garden nest! I also wondered about red mite if they've moved into the nest box, but it's too cold for them isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 Thanks for your replies... No garden nest I am afraid - although they have finally discovered the art of dust-bathing... not in the dish I provided, oh no, instead, they decided a dirty great hole in the middle of my lawn was a better idea - bloomin' birds! Didn't think of mites... will have a look in the light! I'll look into a FoxWatch - do they bother cats? How long would you think after a fright would they start laying again? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 How long would you think after a fright would they start laying again? Difficult to say....maybe a week or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaime Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Have you also ruled out 2 legged vistors pinching any eggs? just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted February 5, 2008 Author Share Posted February 5, 2008 Yeah, we did think of that - but would have thought they'd have lost interest by now - it is a possibility - I am still awaiting the installation of the last few bits of Eglu-security (will post pics when it is all done). It's a shame, the whole thing looks like Fort Knox now... poor little girls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Thanks for your replies... No garden nest I am afraid - although they have finally discovered the art of dust-bathing... not in the dish I provided, oh no, instead, they decided a dirty great hole in the middle of my lawn was a better idea - bloomin' birds! Didn't think of mites... will have a look in the light! I'll look into a FoxWatch - do they bother cats? How long would you think after a fright would they start laying again? Thanks! I got a fox watch 2 weeks ago & it seems to work well, my cats don't take any notice of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...