Hens still aren't laying :(

CountryMama · 07-28-2008, 04:36 PM

I wrote a while back about my White Rock hen and my Turken hen not laying...well they still aren't and it's been almost a year since they have laid steadily. They are about a year and half to two years in age, I was under the impression that they should lay for at least a couple years. I have installed every comfort in the world in their roost so I'm sure it's not lacking anything. I even have pine shavings down right now instead of straw for bedding. The only thing I can figure is maybe their diet but I don't know what they'd be missing there either.
I feed them layer crumbles (switching to pellets), scratch or corn, and they are getting all the table scraps they could ask for. They are also allowed to free range for most of the day and then I put them back in at dark. I figured since they were free ranging they didn't need any grit. I don't beleive they have to have oyster shell, isn't that just a supplement to help strenghten the shell wall of the egg and not actually help the chicken?
And they are both missing feathers on their backs

I know it started with my roosting mounting them to much but he has been gone for a few months now (got the bad rooster treatment) and I figured it should have grown back by now but it's not even starting to come in. Maybe he permanently scarred them with his "attentions". I have 5 other hens that are just now old enough to lay and 2 of them have started already. I've gotten 4 eggs in a week which is more than the older two have laid in 2 months.
What is going on with my birds??!!

Kelpie · 08-03-2008, 06:30 AM

If they are free ranging, have they maybe found a new place to lay their eggs?

This has happened to me before...New hens (who usually out numbering the older hens) start laying in the coop.... older hens appear to stop laying for several weeks.... I make stew of older hens..... later find several nests of rotten eggs in my winter hay storage

..... I feel mad at self for eating hens who were still laying!

follow the hens around some day during there normal time for laying.... you might be surprised what you find

ChasnCans · 08-03-2008, 03:33 PM

Keep them pened up, still no eggs, try a rooster. Still none, get some new chickens. lol

crittermom · 08-03-2008, 03:45 PM

My guess is that they are laying their eggs somewhere else. I know it is happening at my house---haven't found their stash, yet. Could be that something is stealing your eggs (snake etc.)

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07-28-2008, 04:36 PM
CountryMama Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 577	Hens still aren't laying :( I wrote a while back about my White Rock hen and my Turken hen not laying...well they still aren't and it's been almost a year since they have laid steadily. They are about a year and half to two years in age, I was under the impression that they should lay for at least a couple years. I have installed every comfort in the world in their roost so I'm sure it's not lacking anything. I even have pine shavings down right now instead of straw for bedding. The only thing I can figure is maybe their diet but I don't know what they'd be missing there either. I feed them layer crumbles (switching to pellets), scratch or corn, and they are getting all the table scraps they could ask for. They are also allowed to free range for most of the day and then I put them back in at dark. I figured since they were free ranging they didn't need any grit. I don't beleive they have to have oyster shell, isn't that just a supplement to help strenghten the shell wall of the egg and not actually help the chicken? And they are both missing feathers on their backs I know it started with my roosting mounting them to much but he has been gone for a few months now (got the bad rooster treatment) and I figured it should have grown back by now but it's not even starting to come in. Maybe he permanently scarred them with his "attentions". I have 5 other hens that are just now old enough to lay and 2 of them have started already. I've gotten 4 eggs in a week which is more than the older two have laid in 2 months. What is going on with my birds??!! __________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, sausage in one hand, beer in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!" --Unknown--

08-03-2008, 06:30 AM
Kelpie Newborn Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vermont Posts: 48	If they are free ranging, have they maybe found a new place to lay their eggs? This has happened to me before...New hens (who usually out numbering the older hens) start laying in the coop.... older hens appear to stop laying for several weeks.... I make stew of older hens..... later find several nests of rotten eggs in my winter hay storage..... I feel mad at self for eating hens who were still laying! follow the hens around some day during there normal time for laying.... you might be surprised what you find

08-03-2008, 03:33 PM
ChasnCans Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 1,561	Keep them pened up, still no eggs, try a rooster. Still none, get some new chickens. lol __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. I love and miss you! (Aug 13th-Oct 29th)While he may knock over a barrel he will never break my heart

08-03-2008, 03:45 PM
crittermom Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,528	My guess is that they are laying their eggs somewhere else. I know it is happening at my house---haven't found their stash, yet. Could be that something is stealing your eggs (snake etc.) __________________ Peace!! I wish the people of the world could get along as well as the animals in my backyard.