11 Chickens - 2 eggs a day ?

[johyatt]

We have 11 chickens, 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Phoenix, 2 Americaunas, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Black Star, 1 Black Copper Maran, 1 Mixed. All of them have molted except 2, which I know are young. My original Black Star, Americaunas, Phoenix we have had for over a year and they were about six months when we got them, supposedly. We added the rest about 4 months ago. During the summer they slowed down alot and we figured it was too hot, in Florida, and they would pick back up when it cooled off. Now it is cool and has been for weeks.

What would make them just stop laying? The Rhode Islands, Buffs and Black Star are supposed to be excellent layers, and the black star always has been until now.

Are they alot older than what we were told? We have one black copper maran (Spelling?) that we got when she was really young. About 10 weeks ago she started laying and we were getting an egg almost everyday, now for the last two weeks or so, nothing. Is something wrong with her? They are in a large coop and are let out daily in their very large run. They are fed high protein pellets and some chicken scratch, always fresh water and we give them some greens, but not alot.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Montana-Hens]

Can't comment on how old the ladies might be but can definately tell you that my ladies are off already. I have two who are in assorted states of moulting. I have an EE who stoppped laying in Oct. My 1.5 year old Barred Rock has been laing about 3 times a week, and today looks like she is going to start moulting. My Partidge Rock and Astrolorpe are the only two I have left to take me "thru" the winter and I have 6 weeks before the days start to get longer. Not much hope that I will not have to buy some grocery eggs.

I would wager to guess the short days are your problem.

 

[johyatt]

Thanks, Will they start laying again when they get used to the time change?

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Yep...just read through the last few weeks of "chicken behaviors/egg laying" posts. You'll quickly see that you're not alone

Between molting 'season' and the recently shortened days, most people are dealing with serious reductions in eggs. You can always supplement light; that seems to help many. After two days of NO eggs, I was thrilled to find two in the nest box yesterday. Good thing we're not big egg eaters in my household, 'cause we'd be forced into resorting to store bought eggs.

 

[marymac]

Maybe we should start a Non laying Chicken Club, lol. mine haven't layed any eggs for over a week now. I just gave up trying to figure them out. I suppose they will lay when they're ready. You could add some supplemental lighting for them to inspire them to lay as they need 14 hr of light to keep laying, but I don't do this, I just wait, and wait and wait and wait........... then i usually end up buying eggs from someone who's chickens are still laying or at the store. Just seems if you have chickens and are buying feed for them you shouldn't have to buy eggs someplace else, right?

 

[mediazeal]

2 eggs a day!! I'm jealous. I have 12 hens, ages 18 months to 8 months.
Only 2 are laying right now at all, but very limited and usually 1 at a time; so 1 or none are my average right now.
They just rest in the lower light times of year.
I figure it's their natural rhythm and some times of the year there will be an abundance, some not.
it's normal for them
silly hens

 

[johyatt]

Okay, I guess I will stop complaining and be thankful for the 2 or so a day we are getting.. Thanks for the feedback !!

 

[mmtillman]

WEll...after reading all these post, I feel much better knowing I am not doing anything ''wrong''.
Guess it is just a long molting period and I will just have to be patient and be thankful for the eggs that I am getting !! I agree, we need a ''Hens who are not laying Club'' right now.....LOL!!

 

[Brian]

Nine hens, 1-2 eggs a day. Just how it goes. Time of year, age, etc.

 

[boykin2010]

i have 8 hens and i am getting about 1 or 2 a day. so i think it is normal