Hello
I am very new to animal keeping other than cats, I have 5 chickens, and a huge garden that they live in, they have a house and enclosed pen, I let them out in the garden every day unless I am out, then I let them out as soon as I come home. I change the hay in their bed weekly, and they have corn and pellets every day plus what ever else they find in the garden or in the kitchen! they like to come indoors. My problem is they have stopped laying eggs, when I first had them they laid most days, since the clocks changed they have stopped laying and so I am a bit at loss to know what to do? is it the cold?or have they just stopped laying now for good.
Any advice appreciated !! Thanks
Sandra
Hello and welcome! Another Welsh one - we're taking over!
Although I don't have chickens, I asked the same question and Fiona says that it is to do with light levels so I guess that when the spring arrives your eggs will too.
I haven't been to Cardiff for a long time, I guess it has changed beyond all recognition?
I'll try that again!
Hi, Sandy, and welcome.
Yes indeed, as TA said, chickens naturally stop laying during the dark winter months. The eggs that we buy in supermarkets are produced from farms (not all battery-style) that have installed lighting to simulate brighter seasons.Those poor chooks become exhausted early and die young.
Years ago, my mum used to collect the autumn eggs from our flock and preserve them in an Isinglass solution to provide us with a supply during winter.Humane but outdated, sadly.
Your chooks will start laying again some time in Feb/Mar.
BTW - I regularly drive past Caerdydd on my way to Bridgend. But i have not visited Cardiff for many years. I used to go to the old Arms Park for the 6N internationals as a youngster. We had many magical days and nights in your territory. Marvellous times!
Never knowingly underfed
Hi
Although I am an avid reader of your blog this is my first foray into the world of chat. I too have hens and mine too stop laying at the end of October. I do not provide artificial light over the winter and don't mind feeding them and the ducks during the darker days ( of Argyll) as the joys of egg collecting in the lighter months of the year is wonderful. however in the last three weeks I have been getting about three eggs a day from some new stock I got as chicks in the summer. I am delighted but somewhat puzzled to find that these eggs are blue. I thought at first that the ducks had ventured into the henhouse but no, they are definitely hens eggs. Any explanations? I have never seen blue hens eggs before. Incidentally they are fantastic with golden yolks.
Old teachers never die, they just lose their class
Thanks Toffeeapple and Gary. At least I know now they are not too unusual. They are still giving me beautiful and varying shades of blue, despite the cold and snowy weather which has me trapped as I cannot get my car out. Not that I mind, I have my dogs, hens, ducks, red squirrels and lots of wild birds ( and an abundance of wine) to keep me busy. Merry Christmas
Old teachers never die, they just lose their class
Well TA I am still iced in here - not had the car out for almost two weeks. It's not new snow, but sheet ice and the gritters don't come into the estate where I live. No one will drive to my house just now. Anyway, no more blue eggs. This cold snap had put the hens off the lay. Hoping for a thaw and more eggs very soon.
Old teachers never die, they just lose their class
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