Hens have slowed down egg production

[rogerf]

I have a brood of 10 RIR and have consistently gotten 7-8 eggs a day since September. They are only a year old.
Now that spring has sprung I am now getting 4-5 a day. It has been raining a lot could that have anything to do with it.
I've got customers that I might not be able to supply. Any thoughts?

 

[LarryPQ]

All of my chickens stop laying when it rains. It doesn't rain very often here, so I believe they think the world is ending. The decrease in production may have to do with lack of sunlight.

 

[Catstar68]

I have the same problem. I have 11 hens and was getting 9 eggs or so a day (in the winter!) and now they've slacked off to about 6-7. They are about 10 months old. The rooster has been visiting them a bit more now that he is older and they are losing some feathers where he jumps on them but I don't think they are molting. Everyone seems healthy, active and happy...they are just slacking off.

I have a fried chicken bucket that I wrote "LAY OR ELSE!" on...I'm thinking of putting it in one of the nesting boxes.

 

[TXmom]

It could be the rain/clouds/lack of sunshine. But, just to be sure, please check your girls for lice and mites. When my girls slacked off last year I didn't think too much of it. But then I noticed one of my Buff Orps looking sick. I inspected her and found feather lice under her wings. I could clearly see the bugs when I lifted up her wings. I dusted everybody with Sevin and they perked up and began laying again.

 

[Irish Ridge]

Quote:
LMAO!!!

 

[zoomia]

My RIR that laid faithfully through the winter is taking a bit of a break now; instead of 6 eggs a week., she's producing about 3. I figure she earned the rest.

 

[rogerf]

Thanks All.....It must be the rain.
I'll certainly look for mites as well and if that doesn't work I'll look for one of those buckets....lol.