CharLeila Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Hi guys, My girls are looking particularly miserable being confined to their WIR as I'm sure yours are too. I have my cube attached to an old 6 x 4 shed which is on stilts with a mezzanine floor and what was nice fresh bed flooring on top of vinyl. I'm doing my best to keep them entertained and happy with a ball, CD's hung up, grit, meal worms, whole cauliflower etc. The last couple of days they have been excited at the thought of being let out on the 6th Jan but when I broke the bad news to them about confinement until 28th Feb, they have all stopped laying. Now on a serious note, they really have ALL stopped laying out of the blue. They all look healthy; bright eyes, pert, bright combs and nice clean legs and vents. Is this something to do with them being unhappy at being lock up or do I have an egg thief or is it something more sinister? I did think they might be eating them themselves but there is absolutely no trace of egg or shell at all. Any help or advice greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Do you have hybrids or pure breeds? How old are they? Pure breeds often stop laying in winter anyway. Hybrids can too, although I don't have any, so no first hand experience here. Personally I wouldn't worry too much. Two of my chickens started laying on the 24th of december. I didn't have any eggs since October I thinks. And Leentje decided to be broody again today... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharLeila Posted January 8, 2017 Author Share Posted January 8, 2017 Hi, they're all hybrids and are about 30 weeks old. From the 6 of them, we were getting roughly 5 eggs per day for the last month and then all of a sudden none at all. I could understand if we were just getting less eggs but for it to be none is just weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 It could be the stress of confinement Charleila, but it's unlikely they would all stop at the same time. We had a similar event years ago when 8 hens went from 6 eggs a day to none overnight. The problem was resolved when we fitted locks to the coop doors and the nest box. The very next day we were back to 6 eggs so the conclusion was one of our neighbours was stealing our eggs while we were at work! Whilst I doubt your neighbours are at fault it could be an egg stealing predator like a rat or squirrel? Is there any way either of those could get in? As you say, if it was egg eating from boredom you would find egg shells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 My birds are generally happy in their run, egg production did fall just recently after a couple of really dark days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sazzle Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Mine are wanting freedom but to be honest I'm getting 2-3 eggs a day from my 3 hens which is more than when they were allowed out to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I wonder will you find a little nest somewhere Sazzle. My dog often brings one in from the garden where my lot must have a little hiddie hole. Pre bird flu of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharLeila Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 I really doubt anyone is pinching the eggs. Our garden is surrounded by 4 other gardens and we know all the neighbours. Plus, We we're in all day on Sunday and still no eggs. I'm going to buy some and put them in the nesting box in the hopes it might remind them of our mutual agreement! I provide shelter, food, drink, entertainment, cleaning and a pamper service in return for my poached eggs on toast! I'll let you know if my trickery works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...