This is only my third winter with chickens, so I really don't have a feel for what is the "norm."
But what I can tell you is that I've been getting only about 6 eggs out of my 15 hens lately, and two of those eggs are ALWAYS my little production reds. They are reliable layers.
My other 13 hens are an assortment of barred rocks, buff orpingtons, EEs, EE/barred rock mix, and Delawares. Out of this group of 13, the last two days I only got 4 eggs per day. Other days, I might get six eggs out of this group.
But seeing that until recently I was getting 10 to 12 eggs every day, this is a noticible drop.
(Note: I provide ample extra light, so that they get 14 hours of light every day).
I am glad for these postings because I thought it was just my chickens. I live in Michigan and although there usually is a decrease in
egg production in the fall, this is crazy. So for you "chicken" pros. Why are so many people from so many areas complaining about
the same thing......??????? I have 24 hens and 1 roo and I have been averaging about 2 eggs every other day....HELP for all
Not to sound rude but thank goodness other BYC members have the same problem! I thought there was something wrong with my chickens! I'm getting about 4 eggs per day and I have about 20 hens. I thought they were laying eggs somewhere else.
I have 18 pullets (first year layers) and I'm averaging 12 eggs per day. I'm thinking the Americanas are the biggest slackers. The RRR, Barred Rocks, NHR, & Jet Stars are the best layers. Although I have a NHR bantam and a partridge bantam hen that are both really good layers of tiny bantam eggs. I like the look of the Partridge hen especially. She's like a little speckled dust mop walking around. Also the bantams don't fly out of the coop. They are free range but I also free feed crumbles and suppliment with scratch & oyster shell.
I've been getting 5 out ouf 5 almost daily. The lowest was 3 . I can't wait until my polish start laying although polish are low layers the extra egg is needed as I do all my own baking.