We got 8 chicks mid June 2014. 2 were EE. One turned out to be a roo. All the hens began to lay the week before Christmas, and we were delighted that we were getting a green egg a day from our EE (so I assume). The other hens are buff orps, australorps, and barred rock. However, we haven't had a single green egg in 2 weeks now. Is it possible if the EE's egg color changed to brown? Production has been generally down overall. We were getting about 5 or 6 eggs a day. The past two weeks we'very only been getting 2 or if we're lucky 3 eggs a day. Some days none or 1. Only brown. We live in Ohio and the weather has been crazy. Some days below freezing. Last weekend in the 50s. Now we're preparing for wind chills of 25 below. Since production has dropped so markedly, I did wonder if we may have an egg eater, maybe the EE? But I haven't seen any sign of that. We check the box frequently throughout the day? I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Once a hen starts laying, her egg color doesn't change. With the exception that the starting color may fade a little close to the end of her laying cycle.
Thanks for the answer. So, now I have to figure out why We stopped getting eggs from her. Is it normal for a hen to consistently give an egg a day or every other day...then nothing at all for 2 weeks?
Yes, its normal. Especially if they are new to laying it may take their systems a bit before they work themselves out. Often times my new girls will lay an egg a day for a week or so then take a little break. She may also be going through a molt, have you noticed any feather loss? They typically molt in the fall but I have a few odd birds dropping their feathers right now. Either way, she should start back up again soon.
Another reason egg production can slow in winter is with the drop in sunlight hours unless you have supplemental light.
