Arizona chickens not laying heat related?

[ronid03]

This is my first time with chickens and up until 5 days ago my girls were laying consistently but now I've gotten nothing for 5 days. I've up'ed their protein and still nothing. Could the summer heat coming on cause them to not lay? I live in Mesa Az.

 

[SonoranChick]

I would definitely assume the heat is having an effect on their laying. Make sure they have access to plenty of shade, and consider putting out some frozen jugs of water and/or little pools with cool water so they can dip their feet in it. A mister system will also help keeps things cool in the dry heat.
How old are your hens?

 

[ronid03]

The 3 that lay are over a year and the other 4 are 8 weeks and 11 weeks. They have plenty of shade and lots of water. I put ice out for them daily and they also like to hang out under the citrus trees when they are being watered.

 

[SonoranChick]

Sounds like you have a great set up for them. With the upcoming summer heat they will often lay less, even if you supplement with more protein. I have 10 hens that are all a year old, and am only getting about 6 eggs a day now. In the spring and winter, I would get between 8-10 eggs daily, so they've definitely slowed down. They may start up again once they get more acclimated to the hotter weather, or when monsoon season kicks in. Good luck

 

[ronid03]

I have 2 flower hens and I don't remember what the black one is something with a b.

 

[BlueBaby]

This is my first time with chickens and up until 5 days ago my girls were laying consistently but now I've gotten nothing for 5 days. I've up'ed their protein and still nothing. Could the summer heat coming on cause them to not lay? I live in Mesa Az.

Yes, some breed's will slow down from the heat. Sometime's it also depends on what breed's that they are also. Some just seem to be better winter layers. Other time's when it seem's like they have stopped laying eggs, there might be a hidden nest somewhere especially if you free range them.

 

[alexa009]

Definitely the heat, especially since you live in arizona where it gets really hot.

 

[Suzyqschickens]

Having the same problem and the only thing I can think of is the heat. I too live in az and put frozen treats out for them and lots of water and all the sudden no eggs in four days. It has to be the heat. Mine just starting laying this week and stopped this week. Mine that are laying are 20 weeks old and are black sex link hens

 

[getaclue]

Heat slows them down, until they adjust to it. They should resume shortly.

 

[Suzyqschickens]

I hope so. Kids got all excited and then they stopped