[nerdle]

My girls have turned into winter hens overnight.  Standing still, grooming or resting.  So different from the  summer activity and constant grazing.

Must be worming time as they don't like free ranging in the garden in the rain anyway...

[Springlands]

Mine are definitely in winter mode - they have stopped laying already - just one now and again out of 10  hens.

[joyfull]

none of mine have laid for 3 weeks now 

[Springlands]

none of mine have laid for 3 weeks now 

A friend of mine always says that they deserve their rest - but we all miss their eggs. 

[barley]

one of my old ladies takes her self off to bed at 4.30pm bless her ( she gets the best spot first )

[andy46]

I am still getting 4 from 4 and they are two so they are doin well by the sound of it 

[ghost61]

Are they in moult, Nerdie?  They tend to stop laying and spend an awful lot,of time preening and moping around.  They don't necessary go bald, just shed a load of feathers everywhere.  Mine have come through their first moult and are laying again.

[nerdle]

Looks like a pillow fight a the OK Corral in ther most days!

Yesterday as sooo lovely!  Chocky the friendly one was allowed inside and I was feeling tired so relined a bit on the sofa and closed my eyes.  Next thing she jumped onto me and climbed onto the highest point (my left shoulder and rested down (felt a lovely warm bit where she was sitting) and I drifted off into a light sleep.  Woke up a bit stiff and rolled onto my back and she shuffled round to sit on my arm.  Nodded off again for 20 mins or so.

Plonked her on her perch with the others soon after that.   

[ghost61]

Sounds like moulting is the issue.  They can't produce enough protein to develop new feathers and eggs at the same time, so feathers are the priority.  If you can give them extra protein that will help them.

[nerdle]

She is moulting alright! She's fine though - they come indoors when its raining.  Love having them around!