Hello! I have twelve Wyandotte hens, half of them are four years old and the other half three. A year ago they stopped laying (I assume moult, winter, etc), however, when spring came around again they never really started again. We went from ten eggs a day, to two, to one every couple of days.
There are no signs of lice or mites but I have treated them and the coop just in case; they have been treated for worms regularly; their run is approx 150m sq; fresh water; and their feed is 15% protein (I’ve tried higher but it didn’t seem to change anything?). Nothing is stealing the eggs as we’ve tried leaving the one we do find for a couple of days. They used to free range but too risky with foxes and tearing up my veg garden!!
I’m wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience and if changing anything helped? I know hens don’t maintain their laying production forever, but they were only two and three years old when they stopped laying, as heritage breeds. Husband is threatening removal so I’d love some advice!! Thank you in advance.
There are no signs of lice or mites but I have treated them and the coop just in case; they have been treated for worms regularly; their run is approx 150m sq; fresh water; and their feed is 15% protein (I’ve tried higher but it didn’t seem to change anything?). Nothing is stealing the eggs as we’ve tried leaving the one we do find for a couple of days. They used to free range but too risky with foxes and tearing up my veg garden!!
I’m wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience and if changing anything helped? I know hens don’t maintain their laying production forever, but they were only two and three years old when they stopped laying, as heritage breeds. Husband is threatening removal so I’d love some advice!! Thank you in advance.