shelleybonbelly Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Hello everybody, Firstly i would like to say that the title of this thread is probably my most imaginative so far! My hens have had several problems over the summer including a major mite infestation which i think we are over but all 3 have stopped laying a few months ago and i realise that i prob wont get more now until spring. I mentioned this to a friend who also has chickens and she suggested putting a light in the hen house at night to stimulate the pituitary gland and get the eggs going again. I just wanted your experience with this and any advice. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 I wouldn't encourage it. It would be rather like a battery shed. Many hens tail off with their laying over their winter months, especially if they are pure breeds. Hybrids will slow down or stop if they go through a winter moult. It allows them to divert their energies into regrowing feathers and build up their calcium stocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Please don't do this, they do need a rest. Having a break in laying means that they live longer and don't become worn out from over laying. Ax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Aw bless, I understand how disappointing it is when you have to buy eggs . . asda do a mixture tray of free range value ones My egg supply has diminished and even though we bought our chickens for eggs I love their natural cyclic rhythm . Adore them when they all go to bed at the same time when the sun sets and then they all rise when the sun comes up. To think about altering their natural cycle just to produce more eggs, although I can understand wholly the need for more eggs as I too now buy eggs weekly!! If they were my chickens I could never interfere with their natural sleep & rest. They all look so happy & snuggled. Adding light makes me think about what the battery farms do, it seems so cruel to the chicken ( I'm not saying youre cruel I'm saying it must be cruel from the chickens perspectives) as they must never rest. Plus - I'd hate someone to put a light on all night in my bedroom just so I could produce/maybe be a better cook the following day or better at whatever jobs consumes all of my energy. MsTillyhopesyoufindanaturalsolution andsoonyourgirliesarealllayingagainnaturally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 No, I wouldn't do it. They stop laying for a reason, not just to spite you! I think we just have to accept that mother nature knows best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
