Take part in study on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in eggs

[goodinparts]

Due to poor planning, my remaining 4 hybrids are all over 3 years old now...and though they were all laying cheerfully through the winter, with spring came red mite & since then the most they have managed is a periodic softie from 1 of the ex batts & nothing from the others at all. The whole flock was wormed in mid April, though I'm having another go now (Flubenvet, of course)...and the little frizzle bantams are laying on alternate days as they have all along.

So - did the red mite trigger the "I'm too old to lay, let me retire now" reflex or should I be exploring for hidden nasties? They do have slightly dirty knickers but thorough inspection reveals no creepy crawlies anywhere.

 

Hints/tips? or do you all agree it's likely to be old age (and thus time for MORE HENS!!! ) ?

[KimmyCustard]

My hybrids are all nearly 3 years old now, 3 have gone and we have 2 left, neither of which lay! I occasionally get a softie under the roosting bars, I give them limestone powder in their mash but I think as they are getting on a bit, that will be it. I have my name on the waiting list for 3 ex-batts to join the remaining 2 though

 

I gave mine Orego-Stim also, it goes in their water and was great for their health.

[chickencam]

It may be that they have simply retired. I have found that hybrids only lay for about three years.

[Patricia W]

My 3 ex-bats have more or less stopped now as have 4 of my pure breed Polands. Only my two tiny Polands are laying now and they'll stop soon so I'll be sneaking in to Waitrose to buy some eggs this winter.