cd8jbr Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 My 5 lovely ex-batts began their new life 23/10/2011 so have been through one winter of freedom with this being their second. My question is that while they laid well through last winter it was a lot more sporadic this time - fair enough they are more like 'normal' hens now. But they have stopped completely now, there's been nothing for ages. I don't mind really but we have a 'green day' at work with a prize for the cake with fewest food miles and at about 30 yards some home grown eggs would help! As I write its snowing, again, would that put them off? They FR whenever the weather is reasonable, get warm mash on cold mornings and a lovely bed of straw to sleep on. Their run is sheltered from the worst of the elements so its nice and dry - I'm not sure what more I can do to keep them happy. They are healthy and glossy, interested in everything - just no eggs! I guess my question really is - have they gone through the henopause (sorry, couldn't resist). Or is it likely to be a waiting game? Thank for any and all advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 My ex batt Agnes has been through her second free winter and she has had a rest from laying but she has started again during the last week. Have you wormed them recently if so what did you use? Although it is sad not to have eggs I do think a break does do them good, I only have one ex batt left now. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 Thanks for that, I am due to worm them now so will do this week. I use Flubenvet hopefully that will help them. They are a bit miserable today as they can't go out as it just keeps on snowing. I'm quite happy for them not to lay except for this 'food miles' event but if they ain't layin' they ain't layin'and that's that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 If I was you I would worm them with Flubenvet, sometimes worms can affect egg production. Do they get lots of treats? If they do perhaps try to limit their treats to make sure they fill up on layers pellets or mash which ever you feed. Hope you get some eggs soon. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 Well, I have wormed them, they are getting no treats but as yet...nothing! But it's only been a week. They are a picture of health so as ex-batts that's really what counts - anything else is a bonus. I do miss my eggs though. Maybe when it warms up and gets brighter they will start laying again...but if they are healthier not laying then that's fine by me -first and foremost they are pets and I love em to bits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd8jbr Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 I was wondering whether the long cold winter (we are forecast for snow tonight/tomorrow again) could be behind the lack of eggs. It's been very dull a lot of the time and we've only had 1 or 2 days where it's been anywhere near warm - mostly it's been cold, unseasonably so. I've wormed the hens, they seem very healthy and happy -apart from the cold- so not sure what more I can do. I do miss the eggs, and can't wait for spring to really arrive so we can all enjoy being outside! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
