Solitary chicken - need advice

[chickenlass]

I have 7 ex batts as you know and I have suddenly gone from 5- 6 eggs a day to 1 or just 2.

I know they lay less in the winter but it seems to have happened so quickly...[over 2 days]

I don't remember this happening last winter but then I only had 4 hens.

I haven't put this chicken clinic as they seem fine in themselves...if the Mods want to move the thread feel free,

[Egluntyne]

Are they free ranging and laying away from the nest box?

 

They lay less often in their second winter......that is why their original owner got rid.

 

Do the usual checks for lice, mites and worms as a precaution, but it sounds as if things are pretty normal.

 

Maybe they are heading for a moult, too. This can stop them laying for a while.

[westleigh]

Hi,i have 3 ex batts and this is also thier second winter with me,i have to say that my girls are not laying much at the moment so it is probably normal,they seem healthy so i am not that worried,guess they are all egged out,they must be at least 3 years old now but still as entertaining he he j

[chickenlass]

Thanks for the replies

I'm pretty sure they are OK lice /mite wise but they have been havijng abit of a moult so that is possibly what it is .[along with the fact that it'snormal to lay less the second winter. Silly me I didn't think that was why I now have them as pets

[The Dogmother]

The decrease in daylight hours won't help either.

[chickenlass]

Thanks Claret...I think I'm worrying unecessarily but I'll keep an eye on them.They're eating well ...nearly took my hand off and my left eye out this afternoon in their rush to get some meal worms I took them.

[sandyhas3chucks]

only had mine since May so only my ist winter & generally less eggs, all moulting too which I think means they should lay less, but my featheryless girl still doing 6 out of 7 days. Head chook & most feathers has been on 3 day week I think since clocks & light changed.