Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: CattinJ on May 13, 2011, 17:36

Title: Do Chickens eat less when they stop laying?
Post by: CattinJ on May 13, 2011, 17:36

I have 2 ex bats - I've had them 2 years and they seem to be getting to the end of their laying.  We get an occasional mis shaped egg from one and the occasional softie from the other. 
I've noticed both eat a lot less these days though they are bright, active and happy in all other ways. 

Is this usual?

Title: Re: Do Chickens eat less when they stop laying?
Post by: joyfull on May 13, 2011, 18:24

if they are free ranging they can get a lot to eat from what is growing at the moment  :)

Title: Re: Do Chickens eat less when they stop laying?
Post by: CattinJ on May 13, 2011, 18:32

Not when we are at work (4 days a week) but whenever we're home they are out and about and never stop foraging, so hopefully they are getting enough that way!

Title: Re: Do Chickens eat less when they stop laying?
Post by: Beakybird on May 13, 2011, 22:36

It's a good idea to weigh your hens every now and again, then record their weights. That way you can tell if they are losing weight.
In my experience hens will always eat however much they need to eat unless they are poorly.

Title: Re: Do Chickens eat less when they stop laying?
Post by: New shoot on May 14, 2011, 06:35

My older non laying girls do eat less than the layers and I notice the overall food intake varying over the year as I have banties that are seasonal egg producers.

You should see your girls head for the feed first thing and load up again before bed.  If they are doing that, drinking plenty and seem well I would not worry too much.  Weighing them or picking them up regularly to check them would be a good idea.  I would also not let them out to free range first thing on your days off, but give them a bit of time to get their pellets/mash down  :)