Enclosures are empty: Some hens that are not laying eggs often enter the nest box, especially after 4 PM. They may stay inside for extended periods and refuse to feed. When you gently touch the hen’s cloaca with your finger, there is no sensation of an egg being present. These hens can easily be mistaken for productive layers, which is why it's important to isolate or remove them promptly. Identifying these non-laying hens early helps maintain the overall productivity of the flock.
The back of the chicken is not soiled: Healthy hens that are fertile usually mate with the rooster, leaving signs of mud on their backs, especially during mating season. If the ground is dry and you notice no mud on a hen’s back, and no egg is detected when checking the cloaca, it could indicate that the hen is not laying. This is a key sign to watch for when assessing fertility and egg production.
Gastrointestinal atrophy: Hens suffering from chronic digestive issues often lay thin-shelled, soft, or shell-less eggs. When you palpate the abdominal area, you might detect tumors, broken eggs, or pebbles in the gut. During peak laying seasons, hens are more sensitive to stress, so it's best to check them during the night or early morning. Healthy hens typically have soft, moist droppings. In contrast, non-laying hens may have dry, stringy feces due to poor digestion and reduced food intake. If such feces are found, those chickens should be examined closely. Checking droppings regularly can also help identify early signs of egg abnormalities caused by improper medication or feeding practices, allowing for timely intervention.
Excessive fat deposits: These hens appear large, with red skin, multiple wrinkles, and thick, oily feathers. Their feet may be swollen, and their bones may lack definition. These chickens often show signs of being late to lay and early to stop. It's important to observe and measure these birds separately, as they may have low or no egg production. Removing them from the flock can improve overall efficiency and reduce management challenges.
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