I have 4 barred rock pullets in my side yard. They have the run of the whole place back there. They have free access to food every day, I don't measure out a ration, just fill the container off every day. They get table scraps like bread and vegis and fruit on a regular basis, plus anything from the garden I think they'll like. Nothing rotten or meat. I keep the area tidy and free of debris.
They have recently stopped laying. One is still at it and one does it sporadically (sp). They just don't seem like themselves either. Not as perky and happy as they once were. They can't be spent yet, can they? I thought that was 5 or so years and they're only about 2.
There has been no real change in the eggs that ARE layed, they look pretty normal. Would worms or some other sort of parasite do that? What are signs of diseases that I can look for myself, like in their poop or something. The only thing I can think of, is they found a mushroom the other day.
What could be wrong?
What are your temps like now? Hens often stop or slow down egg production in hot humid weather. Or they could be getting ready to molt. That is, lose their feathers which is natural for many breeds of chickens. Hope this helps.
Yep , that was what I would think too! Its time for a moult, and with the high temps it will probably be soon! Dont panic when they all but go "Neckid" they will look funny but its the way!
It's been mild and rainy all week. It is very humid though. I get downright sticky! I guess I'll wait and see.
I read somewhere that the barred rocks stop laying before some of the other breeds and that they do actually slow down after the first couple years.
Don't have barred rocks, so I don't have actual experience with this, but maybe someone else who raises them could comment. Anyone ?
They're not showing any signs of molting at all. Perhaps they are just slowing down.
It was really warm here for a couple of weeks (70's and a few 80's) and one of my Rhode Island girls started to molt. Now we're below freezing again. Hope she'll be ok.
They do slow down after the first couple of years.
There are lots of websites with symptom signs that you could look upif you think they are really sick.
THey may just be taking a break. They do that sometimes, for no reason!