Egg production cut in half

[A2SciTeach]

For the past 2 weeks my 6 chickens have been producing a total of 3 eggs a day.

Prior to this I have gotten 5 or 6 per day. Here are the facts:

1. The chickens are 10 months old and have been laying since Jan/Feb. 2.They free range all day and I have searched everywhere for eggs laid outside of the coop/nesting boxes and haven't found any.
3.One of the Buff Orpingtons has gone broody and I'm working on that issue.
4. We switched from pellets to crumble but are still feeding Dumors layer feed. I never feed treats.
5. I have 3 new 12 week Cochins added to the mix who they basically ignore.
6. It's been hot, but they have stayed cool in the shade drinking plenty of water - I've not seen them panting.

Which, if any of these factors would cause such a drastic change? What can I do to get the eggs production back up?

Thanks for any help

Cathy

 

[Ridgerunner]

This site gives reasons egg production drops. Adding new chickens to the flock can upset egg production. Egg production drops in the heat with some chickens. Sometimes a hen going broody may stress some of the other chickens so they stop laying. Don't ask me how but I've seen it mentioned on other posts. You are looking directly at them so you can see things I cannot. Check the link and see what you think.

Virginia Tech – Stopped Laying
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1097/2902-1097.pdf

Good luck!

 

[A2SciTeach]

Thank you for the link, it was very helpful.