4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[blackpuddinonnabike]

I'm sure there's nothing to worry about here really, but...

 

Our two have been completely off the lay for a week. No softies, nothing. They both seem in fine fettle, they're not moulting and don't appear ill. They've been moved into their new run recently and seem pretty happy with it - there's not quite the same urgency to get out and free range, which is just as well because the past couple of weeks we've not managed it (we definitely need to be there with the foxes in the area, and getting a little bolder turning up at 11am recently).

 

Could this be the issue? Lack of grit or whatever in the diet with them scrabbling in the hemcore only? We've got a big trug in the run with earth for them to dustbath, and they peck away at that. They're eating and drinking normally. So the only thing different is the new run...

[The Dogmother]

It could just be the lack of daylight and cold weather, but do check that they're not laying elsewhere in the garden. Restrict treats to the afternoon only and see what happens.

 

You don't mention how old they are, but I'd find it hard to believe that both hens would retire from laying at the same time. It's the wrong time of year for moulting too.

[blackpuddinonnabike]

It could just be the lack of daylight and cold weather, but do check that they're not laying elsewhere in the garden. Restrict treats to the afternoon only and see what happens.

 

You don't mention how old they are, but I'd find it hard to believe that both hens would retire from laying at the same time. It's the wrong time of year for moulting too.

 

The daft pair we have were moulting in December. Both just about 7-8 months old. And they've just been in the run while off the lay, I've had a rake around in the hemcore and there's definitely nothing there.

 

I guess we'll just keep a close eye on them and hopefully get them out to free range at the weekend (saying all of this, I'll bet there's an egg there tonight!).

[The Dogmother]

Ahh, so they started laying again after their moult? It'll probably be the cold then.

 

I hope that they start again soon.