What stops chucks laying?

cudders · « **on:** November 17, 2007, 20:23 »

Hi chaps,

After getting an average of 15 eggs over the last few weeks, I am now down to four or five.

Why is this? There are fed mash, corn and greens and are let out during the day. Some of the combs are quite small and not very red.

I inhereted these chucks with the lot so no idea of age etc. Can you tell how old they are? Do they stop laying with age?

Thanks,

Cudders

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2007, 20:29 »

Hens stop laying for 4 reasons:

[list=1]

Old age
Broody
Moulting
Low light levels[/list:o]Take your pick, low light levels at this time of year is a good bet, though one of mine has stopped laying because she is moulting :D

cudders · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2007, 20:33 »

Ah thanks,

Quite a few seem to be molting at the moment. Does this happen alot or a certain time of year?

Also how can I tell how old they are? Any tips?

Someone said if the combs were small and not red then they wont lay. Is this true?

Thanks,

Cudders

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2007, 20:51 »

Quote from: "cudders"

Also how can I tell how old they are? Any tips?

Someone said if the combs were small and not red then they wont lay. Is this true?

If they were ex-battery hens they will have been 72 weeks old when you got them. Hens mould about every year though their first mature moult is often after they are two years old, just depends on what time of year they were hatched, I know several peoples hens are moulting just now. A young bird will have nice smooth legs. Older birds legs become a bit scruffy until they moult and replace the leg scales.

You're quite right when they are not in lay their combs will become smaller and pale in colour

cudders · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2007, 20:54 »

Ok thanks Aunty!.

I really need to get some pics done of the hen house and chucks and the lot too!. I'll take some tomorrow.

Cudders

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2007, 20:59 »

Some pictures would be great cudders

muntjac · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2007, 21:12 »

all been said .notin to add

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2007, 21:13 »

Quote from: "muntjac"

all been said .notin to add

That's praise indeed Munty

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