Posted by Jaudon on April 27, 19100 at 12:18:14:
In Reply to: Breeding Ekkies posted by Vickie Barlow on April 27, 19100 at 10:51:28:
Hi Vickie. Everyone has different schedules for their breeding pairs. I let my hens raise the babies for 2-3 weeks, then take the box down for at least 30 days, until I think the hens are in good feather and physical condition. I have never had a problem so far. I have no idea what your schedule is, or how your management is handled, so it would be impossible to take a guess.
The most valuable pc of equipment I own, is a camera/monitor that I use. This lets me know what everyone is doing, if there's a problem or something that's not quite right, I can solve it immediately.
Some breeders have their pairs lay back to back for about 4 clutches per year, then rest them until the next year. In my opinion, 4 clutches should be all the hen's allowed to lay. This keeps them in good physical condition.
My advice would be to purcase a camera/monitor...study one pair at a time and maybe you can see what the problem is.
Best wishes,