No eggs and a pedicure!

[Graham K]

Hi all,

A couple of quick questions for those in the know;

1. (I'm sure the answer to this is in the question) My 3 hens have gone from laying 3 a day to a big fat zero in the last two weeks, I'm guessing that the fantastic summer we are having has a lot to do with it. All three are clean, eating and pooping well, drinking plenty and generally look fine, they have plenty of good shade and as far as I can tell are not molting. Has anyone else had a drop off in eggs with the weather or should I be a bit more concerned?

2. Can I give the hens a pedicure? Their claws are a fair size and pretty sharp as my little one found out a couple of weeks ago I know they like to scratch around but I'm just a bit worried about anyone getting scratched by "dirty" claws.

Thanks, Graham.

[Nicos]

My egg production keeps dropping cos the heat is making my gals broody
I've got 3 broodies at the moment- but the other 4 are producing 2-3 each day.

Pedicure?...wouldn't have a clue!!!

[Suechooks]

Are you sure they're not laying away from the coop ready to go broody? Would be strange for all 3 to do that admittedly!
You need to be careful you don't cut the quick if you cut their nails. I'd be inclined not to as they probably scratch enough to wear the claws down to the quick anyway. You could try gently filing the sharp ends but I don't know how long it'd last.

[RichmondHens]

I would be slightly surprised that all three have stopped laying simultaneously. And I think they are young - didn't you get them earlier this year? So they should still be in full lay. The heat may slow them down a bit but really I wouldn't expect them to stop. You say they are eating well - too well perhaps? If hens get overweight they stop laying.

Re the claws, they shouldn't need their claws clipping unless they are very confined and don't have the room to scratch about. Any normally active hen will wear them down naturally. Occasionally a persistent broody who spends a lot of time sitting will need her claws trimmed but your hens should be fine.

If you are worried about them scratching you/your children when you handle them, always hold their legs. This way they cannot draw their feet up and scrabble to escape. This is the best way to hold a hen anyway. They do not really like being held round the middle, trapping their wings and if too tight, squeezing their air sacs. If they cannot breathe properly they will fight to escape and that's when the scratches occur.

[CoraxAurata]

Most of my hens don't need trimming but the dorkings get incerdibly long nails (same lifestyle as everone else) and I've had to give them a wee trim with the dog nail trimmers... but v.v.v carefully the main was the roo who made me wince every time he covered a hen 5 toes like small swords ... poor girlies

[snakeshack]

I have had to use the dog nail clippers too as the deep litter in the run is on top ofweed control fabric and doesn't wear them down too well,mat have to install a concrete base before winter methinks,especially with the new chicks coming