Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Forge Cottage]

Our big softee Suffolk Noir, Peggy had a fantastic, almost unbroken run of brown eggs from her first in late October 2008 to November 5 2009. At one time the three of them were synchronised at the same time of day for months.

 

There may have been good reason to stop at Guy Fawkes but that day she stopped... and nothing since. Not a bean, though she has seemed quite happy and healthy.

 

I was told that she was expected to lay an average 280 eggs per year, I presumed for more than one year, but she must have laid 340 in her first season. So I suppose we have had some of this years eggs too! But it just seems a very abrupt end for a rest.

 

She often pops in to the house when the others are laying, perhaps out of sympathy or to keep them company. But do you think Peggy will start laying again herself, or is that our lot??

[Daphne]

No idea I'm afraid, but 340 is a lot so I wouldn't be surprised if she stopped for a good while. I presume she has been wormed, not too many treats and is in good health - ie no underlying health reason for lack of eggies? It may be with the arrival of consistent warm weather she might perk up. Did she moult?

[Forge Cottage]

Thanks Daphne. I was starting to think maybe I was talking to myself! 5 months just seems very long for a break, but I have read other posts saying that some chickens stop laying after a year...

 

Yes they are all wormed and the picture of health and mischief. We leave them to it during the day with mainly pellets and fresh water, moving their run to fresh ground/grass every two or three weeks. Peggy has never shown much interest in the Pellets, preferring grass and is not as quick as the hybrids if there is an opportunity morsel. Obviously in the winter the grass is not its best.

 

But I must admit we give them corn and grapes in the evenings, when we get home from work. OK, sometimes sultanas. No wonder they are always standing in line by the pen gate when they hear the car! When we get home in the dark winter evenings, they get up and pile into the kitchen for treats and preening for half an hour or so. Then they put themselves to bed, bless them.

[Daphne]

Well I still have no idea and I think you may just have to resign yourself. She sounds happy and healthy and thats the main thing. I have one girl who doesn't lay and for no apparent reason - although I do sometimes wonder if I'm misjudging her; unfortunately much as I adore the little dears I can't spend 14 hours a day watching them for days on end!

[Daphne]

OK - just to give you some hope; the very day after posting this I happened to be in the garden and realised my non-layer was running about (literally) with an egg sticking out. She couldn't get in the nestbox as it was occupied, and I threw down some corn to distract her so I could get a closer look. Lo and behold head down, bottom up, small egg pops out, chook continues eating completely oblivious to the drama. So....are you completely sure your girl isn't laying

[Forge Cottage]

Congratulations Daphne, we will live in hope!