[madbantamlady]

Am new to this still so bear with me please.  I have had no eggs from any of my stock for the past 6 months at least. Obviously I wouldn't expect much at this time of year but a big flat zero for 6 months is pushing it. They had a fantastic big moult and are all looking very healthy and content. The boys are very frisky and the girls are willing. No-one is stealing the eggs as I check so often that I would see the odd one at least. There is no "I've laid an egg" call from anyone. They all vary in age but the youngest is 2005 late spring hatch. They are free range with layers mash and grass with the obvious scraps. I have tried layers pellets (but they would rather starve) and just mixed corn. My husband is threaten to retire them all permanently. Any ideas to save my gals and boys. The stock list is:
1 x trio Pekin bantams
1 x trio auto sexing welbars
1 x pekin x cockerel
3 x pekin x hens
2 x welsummers
1 x barnevelder cockerel
1 x pair call ducks
1 x Khaki Campbell female duck

the pekin x and the barnevelder cocks are kinda on their way to heaven anyway due to their gender (i'm just delaying the deed)
Any help pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and a Happy New Year

[muntjac]

arte they getting oestra  and grit , are they old birds?

[madbantamlady]

Apart from the 2 Welsummers they are all 2004/2005 hatches. Excuse my ignorance but what is oestra and no to the grit c'os i figured they are free range and should get enough that way. Have tried grit on other stock in the past and they never bothered to eat it but will give it a try if you think it could help. Thanks

[muntjac]

ok if you havent been giving them oestra that is the prime reason for them not laying eggs it is crushed oyster shell  calcium if they dont get that along with proper chicken grit they cannot digest food properly or convert the calcium into egg shell i suggest you aquire both products at once  as if the birds are not getting any calcium intake they wil have bone problems as well .see your feed suppliers and ask for a 15kg bag of oestra  £7 and a sack of grit £6-9  these will last for ages  put a cup full in the feed once a week as you make it until they have started to lay eggs again then have an open trough feeder for them to help thier selves. this will i belive see results in eggs in about a month the grit can be just left in a sand pit type tray

[Aunt Sally]

Are they laying away  :?:   Have a look under the hedges.

[muntjac]

nice one anty id forgoten that ..... :roll:

[madbantamlady]

Have looked everywhere and not a hint of the possibility of an egg. I can't tell you how disappointing it is. I found a pile of over 20 eggs once and I thought all my birthdays had come at once. I can't bear buying eggs - especially from my friends!! Anyway thanks for your advice and I am on my way to the feed merchants first thing for Oestra and grit to save the life of my gals and boys. Happy New Year to all!

[eggs on legs]

Is oestra a commercial name ?  Is it crushed oyster shells ? - that can be purchased from a tropical fish shop for example ?

I cant find Oestra where I buy my pellets etc.

[muntjac]

oestra is the name eggs on legs and you may need to order it in a sack of 15kg for about £7 .its oyster shell crushed  if you buy it from tropical fish shops you will pay through the nose . feed suppliers are the plaaces to contact ... and welcome to the gang  

[mercury]

my feed supplier sells bags of poultry grit, and theres crushed shell in with it, i pay £3. 70, for a 10 kilo bag.

[muntjac]

you may find its cockleshell and acts only as grit mate .oyster shel is convertable due to its softer content

[mercury]

i'll look into that one karl, just took it for granted it was oystershell, thanks.

[MontyTom]

I got some Oestra from a farm supply shop, £10 for a 20 Kilo sack.  Bought some loose chicken grade cheap dodo before that from a pet shop and all it looks like is cockle shell.  Go for the good stuff!

Anyone tried grating cuttle fish onto feed for a quick calcium fix?

[Aunt Sally]

Anyone tried grating cuttle fish onto feed for a quick calcium fix?

No... sounds like a good idea thourgh.  I have given them crushed egg shells.  Just bake in the oven for about 10 mins (removes any egg flavour) and then crush with a rolling pin.  Add to feed  

[muntjac]

i got some cuttle shells of the beach and the chicks didnt touch them , the mice loved em tho :roll: