2 yr. olds not laying in mid-march (coastal California)

[Pelicano]

We have five Rhode Island Reds that are two years old. We got them as 1 yr. olds last March and they had good egg production until they phased out in November. It has been a warm spring here in Sonoma County (just north of San Francisco) and several of our friends who have chickens report robust laying. Unfortunatley, our five ladies are only laying maybe two a week at present time. They are free fed 16% protein organic layers feed along with a little bit of cracked corn morning and afternoon. The coop and run are ample sized. They can go freely between the two as both are thoroughly wrapped in hardware cloth. They also also let out into a day yard that is about 500 sq. ft. This day yard was finished in January. As this is the only thing that has changed from last season, could the day yard be the problem? Right now we let them out in the morning and put them back in the coop/run before sundown. Should we limit the hours they are in the day yard? Thanks for your consideration.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Right now we let them out in the morning and put them back in the coop/run before sundown. Should we limit the hours they are in the day yard?

They could have a hidden nest in the yard.
Search the yard, in, under and behind stuff.
Keep them in their pen till noon, if it's at least 50 square feet, preferably over a hundred square feet..
Listen for the egg song.

They are free fed 16% protein organic layers feed along with a little bit of cracked corn morning and afternoon.

Cut the corn in the morning.
It's important they fill their crops with a nutritious feed in the morning to support egg production.

I give my hens a treat of Scratch Grains Scattered in their pen about 4 hours after I wake them up.

I let them out to Free Range an acre of land an hour before sunset daily, weather permitting.

But my pens are 500 and 300 square feet for 7 hens, so no pecking, bullying happening. GC

 

[Pelicano]

They could have a hidden nest in the yard.
Search the yard, in, under and behind stuff.
Keep them in their pen till noon, if it's at least 50 square feet, preferably over a hundred square feet..
Listen for the egg song.

Cut the corn in the morning.
It's important they fill their crops with a nutritious feed in the morning to support egg production.

I give my hens a treat of Scratch Grains Scattered in their pen about 4 hours after I wake them up.

I let them out to Free Range an acre of land an hour before sunset daily, weather permitting.

But my pens are 500 and 300 square feet for 7 hens, so no pecking, bullying happening. GC

Thank you for the detailed response. This gives us some good strategies. Have a nicie day!

 

[aart]

Do they look, and feel, like they are laying?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/