5 hens only laying 3 eggs a day....

[Crystalmommy33]

My five hens are all about 32 weeks and all laying for about 12 weeks or so. For a good 8 weeks we were getting 5 eggs a day sometimes 4 but for the past two solid weeks we get 3 eggs.
They all lay in one nest. I’m not sure the problem?
They are free range and put away at night. I check the yard for eggs..... no luck.
Breed: 2 Rhode Island’s, 2 Barred Rocks and 1 Amercauna

They all are acting healthy and no noticeable signs of stress.
Please help!!!

 

[dotporter]

It's probably perfectly normal. Chickens don't lay an egg a day for long. https://blog.cacklehatchery.com/does-a-hen-lay-an-egg-every-day/

 

[PirateGirl]

If you are in the northern hemisphere, days are getting shorter (we've had a notable temperature drop here as well), so laying may be slowing down. I also have 5 chickens, but it's a rare day I get 5 eggs from them, 3-4 seems to be my average, more like 2-3 in winter. I'd only suspect a problem if it is always the same bird that isn't laying.

 

[SueT]

Yes, it's normal. I have 9 hens and get 4-7 eggs a day. You don't say where you live, but as the days get shorter, they lay less.

 

[Crystalmommy33]

We are in Florida.

It’s just weird we get exactly three every day. I really don’t know if it’s the same bird not laying. I just know my Americana lays every day because her egg is blue. The others are all brown.
I have a feeling it’s because they lay in the same box. But I really don’t know. These girls are pets to us and I just am a little worried.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, days are getting shorter (we've had a notable temperature drop here as well), so laying may be slowing down. I also have 5 chickens, but it's a rare day I get 5 eggs from them, 3-4 seems to be my average, more like 2-3 in winter. I'd only suspect a problem if it is always the same bird that isn't laying.

 

[Folly's place]

It's likely just fine. Your pullets may be doing what's normal for them.
Diet?
Anyone molting?
Any stressful events?
Mary

 

[Crystalmommy33]

No molting.
Nothing stressful that I’m aware. We are out there multiple times a day with treat and holding them like normal. There on layer and there given grit and oyster shell in separate containers.

 

[PirateGirl]

I would say it would be less normal if you actually got 5 eggs from 5 chickens daily since you don't exclusively have production breeds. I really don't think you have anything to be worried about unless you have unusual eggs, or unusual behavior.

 

[adstowe]

3 eggs from 5 hens is pretty average for a lot of birds. Some of the drop off may be the heat. It's been hot here and my eggs have been low most days. I got 2 eggs from 8 (who are currently laying). Still, 3 from 5 isn't bad. I'd consider that average and anything more is a bonus.

 

[aart]

1 or 2 could be laying out in range area.
Only way to know for sure is to confine them for a time...
...and put a fake egg in every nest.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.