Barred Rock egg color change

[Coop Deville]

My three barred rocks started laying in April. The eggs were the classic brown color, basically the same color as store-bought brown eggs. Around June and July we got about one egg a day from each hen -- each afternoon there would be three in the nesting box.

Then a few weeks ago, they started laying infrequently. Now we get one new egg every two or three days, a drastic decrease in production.

Even more strange, the eggs are now cream-colored instead of brown, and slightly larger than before. Anyone familiar with this situation?

No changes in diet whatsoever. Did the heat finally get to them?

 

[sourland]

Hens lay in cycles the excessive heat of this summer may be responsible for the decrease in production, but even more significant is the shortening day length. Towards the end of a cycle a hen's egg frequently lighten in color. They may molt, take a break from egg laying, and then when they resume laying eggs in the spring they will once again be a darker brown.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Hens lay in cycles the excessive heat of this summer may be responsible for the decrease in production, but even more significant is the shortening day length. Towards the end of a cycle a hen's egg frequently lighten in color. They may molt, take a break from egg laying, and then when they resume laying eggs in the spring they will once again be a darker brown.

Agree.

 

[Coop Deville]

I never knew! That is very helpful. So I might have to wait until spring until more eggs? What about my Wellies and EEs, which are 27 weeks now? Will they wait until spring to lay, or might I get some eggs before the days get too dark?

 

[Happy Chooks]

Your 27 week old girls will still lay when their bodies are ready - they will molt next fall.

 

[Coop Deville]

Much obliged. Thank you.