6 Hens but never 6 eggs. Why?

[chickendude]

My 6 RIR hens have been laying for almost 12 weeks. I will get 5 eggs one day then 3 or 4 the next day then 5 again the following day. But I have never got 6 eggs in a day. I am wondering if one didn't start laying or if that is the cycle they are on. Any opinions?

 

[pixie74943]

I have no idea! It confuses me muchly that so many people say that they dont have everyone laying everyday, mine always lay everyday. I would expect RIR to lay daily at this point in their life.

Then again, isnt it winter on your side of the world? That doesnt help

ETA: not every every day.. they take a day or 2 off a month, but most mornings I find 3 eggs neatly piled in the nest

 

[thechickenchick]

In my experience I have noticed that some are " every other day" hens! I don't know why that is. I have 18 hens and when they are laying normal (they are just now coming out of a molt) I get anywhere from 12- 16 a day.

 

[chickendude]

Quote:
Yes it is winter on my side of the globe. But I find it strange to not get 6 in a day. Even if only once every few days.

 

[chickendude]

Quote:
Every other day hens? ok that sounds plausible that I have one of those.

 

[eggsrcool]

Yes, I agree with thechickenchick, some of my hens lay every other day or so.

Also, the daylight times could be affecting their productivity.

 

[Mahonri]

You could have one hen that isn't laying at all.

 

[chickendude]

Mahonri I think you may be correct. I am hoping that if this is the case she will begin in the spring.

 

[gkeesling]

Winter, lack of daylight, and the cold weather makes a difference. When you get into April or May I think you will see your maximum egg production.

 

[RocketDad]

I have 5 hens of 5 different breeds. They started laying in mid August. During September and early October we had 5-egg-days pretty often, but now I get 3-4 eggs per day. Now when I get a 5-egg day I cheer!

When my Egyptian Fayoumis was molting she took about 3 weeks off. My Red Star hasn't taken a single day off since late August. The others lay for 2 or 3 or 4 days, variably, then take one day off, with nobody in synch. I expect them to pick up the pace as the days get longer.