Change in laying

[carolwfuller]

I have eight chickens: 2 Welsummer, 2Golden buff, 1 white buff, 2 amercauna and one speckled Sussex.
I bought them at 10 - 14 weeks. They have been good layers and nice chickens. I cannot let them free range as my young berner is too interested in them but they have a big pen that goes into low bushes.
I was getting probably 5-8 eggs daily. I went away for 6 days leaving them plenty of food and water. They laid 35 eggs but I think one was eaten up. Since then they have laid only 3-4 a day. I given them organic layer feed and a snack a day; watermelon, cabbage, cheerios, greens. They also have access to crushed shell and grit.
What do you think is up? They are all healthy and happy. No one is losing feathers. None are broody. Yes, I stumbled through their sheltered area and there are no hidden nests. I just don't know what could have changed to lower their egg laying. Any ideas.

 

[Y N dottes]

has there been a rise in temperature where u are? that will sometimes cause hens to stop laying. also, look to see if they are being eaten after they are laid.

 

[carolwfuller]

The temps have been all over the place. I am in coastal MA. If anything it has been cooler. And rainy the last couple days.
No evidence of them being eaten. When I got back from that 6 day trip there was debris on the eggs and bits of shell and goo in the hay. Nothing like that now but I will keep an eye out.

Thanks for replying

 

[carolwfuller]

My hens are still low production. Since 4 days ago I got 6 eggs/3/3/2
I have walked all through their area and there are no additional nests, eggs or debris from eggs. No evidence of any egg eating in the nest; the hay is nice and dry and clean.

Well, I am gone for a couple days. When I get back I think I will leave the eggs in the nest one day and see what happens

My concern is that I am not feeding them enough although there is always food around. I fill up the grub 2 times a day for 8 chickens. They all look well

any ideas?

 

[aart]

When you get back, I'd keep them confined in the coop for a few days, see what you see.

They could have been scared/spooked somehow while you were gone.
Was someone collecting eggs while you were gone for 6 days?
Chickens can be weird, spooking at things we are not aware of.
They can also be very sneaky and good at hidden nests.

 

[carolwfuller]

No-no one was collecting eggs. I have an eglu. There were 35 eggs and evidence of one having been eaten- wet nesting material, dirty eggs, bits of blue shell stuck on a few eggs.

You had some good ideas. I have left them for 4 days, no egg collector. We do have crows around

I will keep them in. I've looked through their pen two times but will do so again

Thanks