Maxine1 Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 I've had them just over a year, so I don't know what this could be. First one stopped laying and now the other. I can't see anything wrong, though they look a bit tatty - moulting? But I'm missing the eggs, and hoping they're not unwell in some way. Any ideas for what it might be, and what to do? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 Chickens do often stop laying when they are moulting, as moulting does cost a lot of energy. Also if you have pure breed chickens, it is very unlikely that they will keep laying year round. But even hybrids may take a break during of just after very hot weather or very cold weather. As long they are doing their chicken things (eating, scratching, having a dust bath) then I wouldn’t worry too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 When did you last worm them, and what with? What are they fed on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 What breed are they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 Have you checked the coop for mites? Both my hens stopped laying because of mites, I put them to bed in the emergency cage for a few nights away from coop and one of them started laying 3 days later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 Could be moulting or coming into moult - it's that time of year ad the daylight is drawing in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxine1 Posted September 2, 2018 Author Share Posted September 2, 2018 No mites, and they're on layers pellets, with veg, a bit of corn and mealworms for treats. I've discovered one is laying a soft egg and eating it, so I'm trying to add calcium to their diet - oyster shell in the grit etc. They're hybrids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 When did you last worm them, and what with? They should be wormed with Flubenvet medicated pellets, ideally quarterly. You feed them these and nothing else for 7 days, restricting free ranging at this time. If you haven't wormed them for a while, or believe that they may have a heavy worm load, then do one cycle, wait for 3 weeks and then repeat. This is essential for their health, and birds with a gut full of worms won't have the necessary nutrients to lay eggs, or form proper shells. Whilst, and after worming them, I would add some herbal gut conditioner to their water to help promote healthy gut function and flora. If they are older, then they'd benefit from a tonic, either a liquid such as vit boost in their water, or a powdered one like mineral boost in their pellets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 On 30/08/2018 at 8:36 PM, The Dogmother said: Could be moulting or coming into moult - it's that time of year ad the daylight is drawing in. That was what I thought too, although if they’re hybrids it’s less common. 2 hours ago, Maxine1 said: I've discovered one is laying a soft egg and eating it, so I'm trying to add calcium to their diet - oyster shell in the grit etc I found that lifeguard tonic helped one of my pekins, or at least when I started adding it tot their water her shells improved). Are you feeding live mealworms? I can’t find any at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxine1 Posted September 3, 2018 Author Share Posted September 3, 2018 I'm feeding them dried mealworms as an afternoon treat. I think they need worming again, so I'm onto it. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
