Keeping the grass down around the skirt of the runs?

[tonywig]

Hi all

 

I need help.

 

A bit of background first if I may in case it's of use. Until recently, three chickens all about 18 months old.

Home for them is a cube attached to a 9' x 6' run (6' tall) to which they can come and go at will. That run is in a fenced off area of garden (after they destroyed my lawn and I had to have it relaid) approx 12' x 25' to which they were let out to free range for as much time as possible (when we were about) - probably 2-3 hours a day average, more at weekends.

 

In early August, when rounding them up from free ranging on day, we found 2 chickens and a pile of feathers. Sadly one of our ladies had been taken, we assume by a fox

 

Since then we have pretty much restricted the remaining two to the 6' x 9' run.

 

Also since then we have been almost entirely without eggs where previously we were getting 2-3 a day.

 

Finally to the question. Could it be a reaction to the fox attack that has stpped them laying? Could it be the lack fo free range (though they DO have plenty of space and an adventure playground in the run)? Anything I can do to encourage them to begin again?

[Sue]

Hi have just posted a reply to someone else about weasels and stoats.

 

Any stress can stop hens laying. And predators are very stressful indeed to poultry especially if they have seen one of their own killed and eaten. ( I think we might feel the same too and hens arent that stupid)

 

Don't forget eggs are not produced for us to eat they are really being produced to reproduce, and there is not much point in trying to "breed" in dangerous circumstances. If any predator keeps returning and upsetting them then egg laying won't get back to normal til they feel safe.

 

The other thing is - have they moulted yet, if not and they have been scared they may go into a moult. Are there more feathers in the run than usual and are they looking a bit ragged round the edges. Once a moult has started they will begin to grow new feathers These will be more lustrous and smaller and thicker, so take a close look to see if this is the case, and then may be give them a bit of TLC and extra meaty type treats to help them though it, any worms and grubs are good.

 

If they are egg-laying hybirds of some sort and you can make sure they are safe and well fed they will probably start laying again before to long.

 

All the best

Sue

Dark Brown Eggs

[tonywig]

Thanks Sue.

[tonywig]

Update.

They've started laying occasionally but always without ANY shell.

 

Am I likely to stress them further by adding a couple of new friends or might it settle them to have more "support"?