Help no eggs

Can any one tell me why my 3 silkies have no eggs??
I know they 1&2 Years old but no eggs yet any answers????
Tracey

Can any one tell me why my silkies aren't laying eggs for 8 days
straight????? Tracey

This message was edited Apr 13, 2007 2:19 PM

here's a picture of them.8 days straight and no eggs. could it be their new surrounding's.?or any danger's in the area i don't see but they can.?

My first thought was egg bound - but they all are not producing? How old are they?
Nadine

one to two years old.

Probably molting.
A Chinese store here sells "Black Chickens" for $11.99 each. I had a Silkie breed a full size chicken. The offspring didn't look apetizing with black skin.

could be. we've had a cold snap here after a big spring warm up.

Just for your peace of mind and for future reference:

SOLUTIONS USED FOR POULTRY
Dr. Tom W. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University

The following solutions have been used as supportive treatments by poultry and game bird producers. They are intended as aids in treating the described conditions, not as a replacement for any management, drug, or antibiotic therapy.

ASPIRIN SOLUTION

Used as a general treatment for reducing distress conditions of birds (fever or listlessness) that accompanies many diseases.

Dissolve five (5 grain) aspirin tablets in one gallon of water.

Offer this solution free-choice to the birds for the duration of an illness. The solution aspirin equivalent to 25 grains/gallon or 324 mg/gallon of drinking water. The dosage rate is about 25 mg/lb body weight per day.

ASTRINGENT SOLUTION

This solution can be used to treat young birds that show non-typical disease symptoms of poor growth. The solution can also be given to birds suffering from respiratory diseases that produce a large amount of mucus exudate. This solution will help "cut through" the mucus and allow it to be expelled easier.

Two quarts of apple cider vinegar diluted into 100 gallons of water
(4 teaspoons/gallon)

The tannin in the apple cider vinegar aide in removing any mucus or coating from the mouth, throat, or intestinal tract. Nutrients and drugs are more readily absorbed. Offer this solution as the only drinking water source for two to three day intervals.

COPPER SULFATE SOLUTION
Use this solution as a treatment for mycosis (mold infection) in the crop. An alternate name for the condition is "Thrush". Use the solution as a "follow-up" treatment after flushing with epsom salt solution--refer to the section for LAXATIVE SOLUTIONS.

Dissolve .5 lb copper sulfate and .5 cup vinegar into 1 gallon of water
for a "stock" solution.
Dispense stock solution at the rate of 1 oz per gallon
for the final drinking solution.

An alternate method of preparing the solution is:

dissolve 1 oz copper sulfate and 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 15 gallons water.

Use either solution as the sole water source during the course of the disease outbreak. Copper sulfate is often referred to as "bluestone".

EGG DIPPING SOLUTION

This procedure has been used to destroy pathogenic organisms such as Mycoplasma spp. that can be carried on the hatching eggs. The procedure must be conducted exactly as described, and is not intended as a routine hatching egg treatment. The procedure is only used in unusual situations.

The antibiotic solution contains 500 ppm gentamycin sulfate
(1 gram per 2 liters of water) or 1 gram tylosin per liter of water.

The hatching eggs must be carefully washed, rinsed, and sanitized prior to treatment. The eggs are then prewarmed to 100 degrees F. for 3-6 hours and immediately submerged into the antibiotic solution that has been previously cooled to 60 degrees F. The eggs are left in the antibiotic solution for 15 minutes before being placed into the incubator.

After each day's use, the solution must be sterilized by heating to 160 degrees and maintained for 10 minutes. Any water lost during sterilization must be replaced. Refrigerate the solution in a clean covered container between uses to prevent bacterial contamination. Do not use or store solutions for more than three days after dilution.

LAXATIVE SOLUTIONS

The following solutions or mixtures are recommended to flush the digestive system of toxic substances, most notably for treating birds exposed to botulism toxins.

Molasses Solution

Add one pint of molasses to 5 gallons of water

Offer the drinking solution free-choice to the affected birds for about four hours. Treat severely affected birds individually if they cannot drink. Return the birds to regular water after the treatment period.

As a supportive treatment for symptoms resulting from Cryptosporidia infection, often referred to as coronaviral enteritis, use:

One quart molasses in 20 gallons of water
.

Offer this solution free-choice for a period of up to 7-10 days. It is assumed that the molasses replaces certain minerals lost from diarrhea during the course of the infection.

Epsom Salt Solution

1 lb Epsom Salt per 15 lb feed
-or-
1 lb Epsom Salt per 5 gallons water for 1 day

Give the epson salt feed mixture as the sole feed source for a one day period. This feed can be used only if the birds are eating. If the birds are not eating, use the water solution. If the birds are unable to eat or drink by themselves, use individual treatment with:

1 teaspoon of Epsom Salt in 1 fl oz water

Place the solution in the crop of the affected bird. This same amount of solution will treat 5-8 quail or one chicken.

Castor Oil Therapy

Dose individual birds with .5 oz castor oil.

NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

The following solutions can be used as supplements to diets that are deficient in certain amino acids, energy, or vitamins and electrolytes. They are used only as temporary additives and not intended as part of a regular feeding program.

Amino Acid Solution

100 grams (7 fl oz) dl-methionine and 110 grams (6 fl oz) l-lysine HCl
dissolved in 50 gallons water
-or-
2 grams (.8 tsp) dl-methionine and 2.2 grams (.7 tsp) l-lysine HCl
in one gallon of water

Offer the solution free-choice to the birds as an aide to reducing the depressing effects of low-protein diets. Make up a fresh solution daily and offer to birds in clean waterers. All measurements in parentheses () are volumetric measurements while those expressed in grams are weight measurements.

Sucrose Solution

10 ounces of granulated sugar per gallon of water

This solution may be given as an energy treatment for weak chicks. Offer the solution as the only water source for the first 7-10 days. Clean the drinkers and replace with fresh solution at least once daily. The solution shown above contains eight percent sugar and approximately 2000 kilocalories per gallon.

Vitamin & Electrolyte Solution

This solution can be used to reduce the effects of stresses caused by subclinical diseases, transporting, management errors, etc. Dilute a commercial vitamin/electrolyte packet into the prescribed amount of water. Use as the only source of drinking water until the stress problem has been corrected.

PARASITE (INTERNAL) SOLUTIONS

The following treatments have been shown to be effective for eliminating internal parasites from poultry and game birds. Neither of these drugs (fenbendazole or leviamisole) has been approved for use by FDA, so the producer accepts all responsibility for their use. Both drugs have been very effective if used properly and will eliminate most types of internal parasites that affect birds. Caution: Do not use with birds producing eggs or meat destined for human consumption.

Fenbendazole Treatments

One-day Treatment

1 oz Safeguard or Panacur per 15-20 lb feed

Dissolve the fenbendazole product in one cup of water. Mix this solution well into the feed and give to the birds as their only feed source for one day. When completely consumed, untreated feed can be given. Be sure that the commercial medication contains 10% fenbendazole.

Safeguard is a product of Ralston Purina, and Panacur is a product marketed by American Hoechst. One ounce of medication will treat about 1000 10-oz bobwhite quail. Adjustments of the amounts of medication and feed needed may be necessary depending on the number and size of the birds.

Three-Day Treatment

1.2 oz Safeguard or Panacur in 100 lb feed
-or-
4 oz pkt of "Worm-A-Rest Litter Pack" (Ralston Purina) in 50 lb feed
-or-
5 lb bag of "Worm-A-Rest Mix Pack" in 495 lb feed

Feed all the medicated feeds free-choice for three consecutive days. The feed mixtures provide 75 ppm fenbendazole. Quail will receive about 1.7 mg/bird each day for adult birds or 2.75 mg/lb of bodyweight.

Fenbendazole has been shown to be a very effective treatment for eliminating Capillaria (capillary worms), Heterakis (cecal worms), Ascaridia (roundworms), and Syngamus spp. (gapeworms). Toxicity from overdosing with fenbendazole is very remote. Research indicates that amounts up to 100 times the recommended dosages have been given under research conditions without adverse effects to the birds. Use of this product during molt, however, may cause deformity of the emerging feathers.
Leviamisole Solutions

52 gram (1.84 oz) pkt Tramisol in 100 gallons water
-or-
13 gram (.46 oz) pkt Tramisol in 25 gallons water
-or-
52 gram (1.84 oz) pkt in 3 qt water (stock solution)

Dissolve the 52 gram packet of "Tramisol Cattle and Sheep Wormer" or the 13 gram packet of "Tramisol Sheep Drench Powder" into the appropriate amount of water. If the stock solution is used with a water proportioner, be sure that the stock solution is dispensed at the rate of 1 oz/gallon in the drinking water.

Any of the solutions are effective at treating Capillaria (capillary worms), Heterakis (cecal worms), and Ascaridia (roundworms). The solutions contain .5 gram of leviamisole per gallon of water. Allow the birds to drink the solution for one day, then remove. In severe cases, the treatment can be repeated every 5-7 days.

PESTICIDE SOLUTIONS

Mite and Lice Body Spray Solution

Dissolve into 10 gallons of water:

6.5 fl oz 10% Permethrin EC
-or-
11.5 fl oz 5.7% Permethrin EC
-or-
2.5 fl oz 25% Permethrin EC
-or-
1.5 lb 25% Malathion wettable powder
-or-
5.3 oz 57% Malathion EC
-or-
.75 lb 50% Carbaryl (Sevin) wettable powder

Spray birds thoroughly to wet the skin and feathers. Pay particular attention to the vent area of the birds. Each gallon of spray will treat 75-100 adult leghorn-type laying hens or 250-300 adult quail. A second treatment can be applied about four weeks after the first application if necessary. The walls, ceiling, and litter of the house can be sprayed with these solutions to kill individual insects not on the birds.

Mites, Lice, and Housefly Residual Spray

Dissolve one of the following in 10 gallons of water.

1 quart 5.7% Permethrin EC
-or-
1 pint 10% Permethrin EC
-or-
6 oz 25% Permethrin wettable powder
-or-
3 lb 25% Malathion wettable powder
-or-
10 fl oz 57% Malathion EC

Apply the permethrin spray to all ceilings, walls, roosts, nests, cracks, and crevices at the rate of one gallon for every 750 square feet. One application will be effective for at least three weeks.Malathion sprays are used as residual sprays to ceilings, walls, roosts, litter, and any dark location that is difficult to reach. Malathion sprays are applied at the rate of one gallon for every 500-750 square feet. Malathion is not recommended for fly control, but is usually effective when used in combination with body sprays for mites and lice.

SANITIZING SOLUTIONS

These solutions will reduce or eliminate slime and most disease organisms in water, drinkers, and water lines.

For Constant Use

1 teaspoon chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
in 5 gallons of drinking water

This solution provides 11 ppm chlorine for sanitizing. The birds will drink the water and not be harmed by drinking it. They may need a short time to become accustomed to this solution. A more dilute solution with half the above level of bleach can be offered for a few days before using the 11 ppm solution. Clean the waterers thoroughly each day to get the best effect.

Weekly Sanitizing Rinse Solution

1 oz Chlorine Bleach in 6-8 gallons water

Rinse, soak, or expose equipment to this solution. Let stand at least one hour, then rinse with fresh water. This solution contains equivalent to 45 ppm chlorine. The procedure is most effective if conducted on a weekly basis. Remember, chlorine disinfectants are inactivated by organic matter. Clean all equipment well before using chlorine rinse solutions.

VACCINE ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES

Clean waterers prior to vaccination. Deprive the birds of drinking water beginning one hour in hot weather and two hours in moderate or cold weather. Mix 3.2 oz powdered skimmed milk packet or equivalent into ten gallons of water. The milk neutralizes the small amount of chlorine or sanitizer present in many water sources.

Follow the vaccine manufacturer's mixing instructions for dilution level. Administer vaccine-water solution in the waterers immediately after mixing. All the vaccine solution must be consumed within 15-20 minutes if good immunization is expected.



Did not think of molting, UUallace - good catch - are they loosing feathers?

thanks we'll monitor for illness.

Also, my silkies flat out don't produce as many eggs as I wish they would. They do a lot of hanging out and being broody, but not a lot of egg laying. So, it could be that they just aren't feeling it yet :) It'll come.

All my silkies have stopped laying, they are now all broody. 8 broody silkie hens, to much. I have 6 nest boxes and 2 of the hens are now sharing there nest boxes even though they are not happy about it. I watched for a long time yesterday one hen reaching under the other hen and took all her eggs, with in a few minutes the other hen snatched her eggs back. I'm hoping there not scrambling those eggs. I guess time will tell.

Do you have nest boxes for your silkies? Mine always lay in there nest boxes. I did read somwhere that silkies only lay about 150 or so eggs a year, I'll have to look up that number again incase I told you wrong. They don't lay as many eggs per year as the bigger breeds do.

Cathy

Thank you!! BackyardHen, and cbrandenburg,
Is that a good thing? Some one told me asperin but I don't know about that.
What do you think???
Tracey

MQN, Yes some feathers not alot.

I'm no chicken expert, but I know there are plenty of reasons why perfectly healthy hens would stop laying. I don't know if I would start dosing them when they don't show any signs of illness.

I'm a little confused, though. Were they laying before and stopped eight days ago? Did you recently get them?

Here's some info that might help:

http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_laying.html

http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/450/several-reasons-why-your-hens-may-stop-laying-eggs

This message was edited Apr 14, 2007 12:22 PM

Hart, Yes. I got them 9 days a go and no signs of eggs yet..
My sons bus driver gave them to me and my son as a gift.
They are 1 and 2 years old.1 male, 2 female silkies.
Tracey

I have 10 net boxes.. How many eggs do the layers do???
I mean Silkies. Tracey

My Silkie hen was useless. Normally they are good mothers. They are frequently broody. They are rumored to be able to hatch a door knob.
Nick's dad

Nick in the center (white shirt) with his grand parents and their older great-grandson

This wasn't the photo I thought I was sending. This was my first picture posted on Dave's. Any advice about photos will be appreciated.

This message was edited Apr 14, 2007 5:21 PM

What's Nick scowling about? LOL He's adorable.

Maybe you should get some doorknobs, Tracey. grin Since you've only had them 9 days, during which the poor things had the excitement of a coop fire, if I were you I would relax and wait to see if they start laying again in a few weeks.

It could simply be that they've stopped laying for the winter and will start up again in spring. It could be they've started or are getting ready to molt. Did you read the info on the links I posted above? I think it might help you stop fretting about the eggs.

You have 10 nest boxes for two hens? It certainly can't be because they can't find a nest box. LOL

LOLO. You are right but the did find then last night to stay warm.
Go to browse and look for your pics, and look to see for the one
you want to post and hit send on the pics button then hit send again... Hope this helps UUallace.
Tracey

Here it goes again. Last one didn't go thru. Do I need to reduce the size?
Nick's dad

PS Nick is the best/worst kindergartener at Sharonville. I am sort of proud.

Yes the size needs to be a little smaller and keep the pics comeing.Tracey

How long do silkies and other chickens do the Molting does any one know????
Tracey

It can be up to four months. Starving for 2 weeks will speed it up, I do not endorse that.
There were at least four domestications. Meat birds/Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus, brown eggs) are separate from Mediterranean egg birds Ligurno (Leghorn in USA) with white eggs.
South American chickens (green eggs and "ears") and Silkies are each in their own league. You should check with others with Silkies a.k.a. Black Chicken. I only had a single pair and the female did not lay. What color are Silkie eggs?
Nick's dad

My silkie eggs are small and light brown or tan in color.

Cathy

cbrandenburg, They are sweet and cute any pics. of them??
Mine are white and blue also the skin is blue...
Tracey

oh Cbrand, you are just too worried, I think. First off, as they get to be two, chickens do lay less sometimes. Silkies can not lay at all for weeks when they don't want to! My silkies are really quite useless as egg layers, most of the time. But do you know what they are super awesome for? Broodiness! And that is actually great in the winter, because here, when it is really cold, all the other chickens' eggs crack and open from being frozen within a few hours, so having little Broody "hatching" them is wonderful to keep them warm and on my plate! LOL!

I'd just let it rest. They will lay when they are ready.

BTW, I think the rule is 2-3 hens per nest box. Theoretically they don't all brood at the same time! LOL! Of course, we know silkies might! But they will share. I have 12 girls and 4 nest boxes. one they refuse to lay in, and everyone fights over one. Except when they all lay under the little chicken stairs instead! and then I have to crawl into the coop and get down at get them. Silly chickens,.

okay and here is a little video of my sexlink and my barred rock both trying to use the same box. It's not even a nest box. It's not even in the coop! It's in the garage. Honestly, these crazy girls....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXzoPNa4InM

the growling chicken is what makes this so funny

I bet they are having fun hang out and talking when no one is around it's to cute!!! Thanks for shareing it you are so sweet.
Tracey

I went to see your video and it says The video you have requested is not available.

I'll try again later.

This winter I got a lot of silkie eggs, they have only stopped this past month with all them going broody. I usually hard boil all my silkie eggs to feed back to the birds as a treat. My big girls give me more than enough eggs for meals. I did hard boil them for Easter for pickled beets and eggs, they were very good. My silkies are only 1 year old, maybe that's why I'm getting so many silkie eggs.

The eggs are brown.
The video was not availble I will try later and see if it comes up..
CB,I'm Glade you have eggs.I can't wait for some from my ladys..
Tracey

I tried to see the video too, but not available.

Mommy said for me to go to time out..
Tracey

listen up girls stay away from the barred rocks and silkies and behave!

This message was edited Apr 16, 2007 1:39 PM

Okay girls listen have fun!!!!!! play time with 15 of us!!!
Tracey

This message was edited Apr 16, 2007 1:51 PM

Momma we are playing tag come play!!! momma does not want
to play and quit throwing your phoo at me...
Tracey

Cute, cute, cute pics - - Tracey! I loved them! :-) Looks like your crew is happy and healthy!
Belinda

Belinda, Thinking of play time was fun with the chicks, hens but
barred rocks love to pull on the chicks feathers. Silkies love the baby chicks. But heres a question do I cut the flight feathers on the Barred Rocks ??????
Tracey

Cutie Pies, just so cute!

Plymouth Rocks weigh more than a bald eagle. They can't get too high or too far. Clipping one wing makes them unbalanced.
Nick's dad

Your chicks do look very happy in there home. They are beautiful. Seems like everyone is getting along fine.