The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: swm on September 03, 2010, 11:38:36 am

Title: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: swm on September 03, 2010, 11:38:36 am
Hi,

I have a speckled hybrid bought about 8 weeks ago as POL. She was a reliable layer but had to be moved out of the main flock as she was bullied and badly injured. She spent some time in a hospital run recovering but still laid every day. About 3 weeks ago she suddenly stopped laying. She is bright and eating and drinking well. A week after she stopped laying her wounds had completely healed and we put a bantam in the run for company. They have settled down well but still no eggs. Should I be worried? Will she just start again at some point? Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated

The other three hens (the bullies) which came at the same time are still laying an egg a day each.

Sam
Title: Re: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: jameslindsay on September 03, 2010, 11:41:59 am
I suspect that she will start to lay again of her own accord, but I am no expert. I think she will be stressed and traumatised and once she calms down all will go back to normal. However, my ducks are not laying at all just now!
Title: Re: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: doganjo on September 03, 2010, 12:07:28 pm
I agree with James - there are eggs 'in the pipeline' for some time before laying so that would ahve been the 'reserve' while she was hospitalised and traumatised, whcih is why she didn't stop laying through that.  I would guess she will start to lay again soon now she is happy.
Title: Re: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: daddymatty82 on September 03, 2010, 12:48:07 pm
she not coming into moult is she? weather changed? been scared? she will start laying next season most probs
Title: Re: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: HappyHippy on September 03, 2010, 01:16:01 pm
It took 4 weeks for my wee warren to recover from the introduction of a cockerel and start laying again. A bit of poultry spice wouldn't go wrong if you've got some.
She'll come good again in her own time, as long as she's eating and drinking and seems bright enough I wouldn't worry - she's just a bit 'off her eggs' lol!  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Hybrid stopped laying
Post by: TheCaptain on September 06, 2010, 04:24:21 pm
I'd have a check for red mite in the hospital run/coop if at all possible - just a suggestion, but it's played absolute havoc with my birds resulting in me having to buy a new shed for the girls and seal every single nook and cranny.  They've been in their new digs for a few days now and four of them have come back into lay - a result in anyones book!