The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Glaswegian on May 17, 2013, 08:00:32 pm

Title: hens stopped laying.
Post by: Glaswegian on May 17, 2013, 08:00:32 pm

hi all,i have eight crossbreed hens,and four ducks. they have been laying away quite happily up until last week when both the hens and ducks stopped laying. they seem to be in good health,and there doesn't appear to be any sign of a visit from the fox,i was wondering if this cold wet spring could have them fooled into thinking it's winter already.


                   thanks for reading. regards.

Title: Re: hens stopped laying.
Post by: ZaktheLad on May 17, 2013, 08:59:11 pm

Seems strange they have all suddenly stopped at the same time.  Could they have had a bad fright at some point - perhaps at night with something trying to get in their coop as this could stop them laying. 

Title: Re: hens stopped laying.
Post by: Glaswegian on May 20, 2013, 08:16:50 pm

hi zak, i think that could be the answer but its hard to tell as their coop is made from concrete blocks and has a steel door,but maybe just the presence of the fox outside gave them a fright ???  i had two hen and one duck egg this morning,so maybe their on the way back.


                                        thanks again,

Title: Re: hens stopped laying.
Post by: happygolucky on May 20, 2013, 10:14:07 pm

May sound daft but could they be laying somewhere hidden? I thought my duck was not laying until I found 40 odd eggs  under a tree hidden!!! 
Is it possible something is either eating the eggs or stealing them? animal or human?
Strange that they all stopped laying though ???

Title: Re: hens stopped laying.
Post by: Glaswegian on May 21, 2013, 07:33:44 pm

hi happygolucky,iv'e searched their run to or three times to see if they are laying outside but so far haven't found any eggs. i don't think it's a human predator as the coop is at the back of the house,down a lane which is a cul de sac so anybody looking for free eggs would be easy spotted. bit of a mystery,but as long as there are no casualties........


                                                     regards.

Title: Re: hens stopped laying.
Post by: happygolucky on May 21, 2013, 08:17:48 pm

 ???  very strange.....I would suspect somethings enjoying eggs for breakfast..,can you take one into the house for a day just to see if she lays? I mean a utility or small toilet..bit messy but you may find out, unless  you have a shed or a garage that you can put one in for the day or 2!!