BHC Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 We have three hybrid chickens, two miss pepper pots and one one ginger nut ranger. They are into their third year now, and this autumn/ winter they had their first moult, some more so than others. Egg supply dropped off as I would expect it to, but it hasn't picked up again. We are getting one egg a day, from the same chicken I reckon, but not sure who! They all go in to attempt to lay, but only one egg! How long can I expect this to go on for? I thought it was generally 6 weeks or so. I then factored in low light levels, but we're into spring now, so shouldn't be a factor should it? Is there anything untoward going on? Over the winter I introduced them to a penned in area 5m squared, which should be ample, but I didn't know whether having been having access to the whole garden for a good 18months, whether they are now sulking! Ideas most welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Well, you could try worming them if you haven't done that recently, and if you are feeding a lot of treats, you could cut back on those. However my guess would simply be that your girls are nearing retirement age - laying becomes less regular after the first 12-18 months, and if these ladies are hybrids of 2 and above they may be at the end of their laying career. It sounds as if you have lots of space, why not introduce a couple of point-of-lay hens this year? That will ensure your egg supply for the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BHC Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 They were wormed recently, and they don't get much in the way of treats, only a bit of left over porridge is we have porridge for breakfast, and the odd apple core. I am shocked that they could stop laying so abruptly. Wouldn't the laying just gradually tail off, rather than just stopping altogether? One hen is still laying, definitely the same hen each day, I can tell by the egg. Just not sure who! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 What did you worm them with? Is it possible that they are laying elsewhere? A hidden spot in the garden? Or eating their own eggs? Any evidence of yolk/tiny bits of broken shell in the nesting area? Usually they would slow down, rather than just stop. Hopefully with the longer days starting, it might encourage them to lay again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BHC Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 I've checked all the usual areas they choose if they start laying out, and I can't see any evidence of egg eating, certainly the egg we have per day has no marks on it either. They were wormed with flubenvet I'm really perplexed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henslaved Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 I personally think it's age. Last year my 4 remaining girls were also in their third year and they all just stopped laying. I haven't had any eggs since last June and am now down to just the one chook which I am not expecting to be with me for much longer . Hybrids just don't have as long a laying career as the pure breeds. But you never know, chooks do like to worry us and keep us on our toes . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
