Chickens have stopped laying .... help!

[shaw613]

I have a mixed flock of 34 hens. This summer has been a terrible one for egg production; young hens molted in May (hatched April of 19), and I thought the reduced egg laying was due to our extra hot year and too many broodies. I've been getting around 18 eggs daily, rather than a couple dozen. Recently, though, I'm getting anywhere from 1 to 5 eggs a day! I first noticed my marans haven't laid for about 2 months, simply because of the egg color. Now it's all the hens for the past week. My hens are free ranging on our ranch all day and I've looked for egg stashes out in the trees. Today I kept them in the run, and got 3 eggs so I'm fairly sure it's not that. I spray the coop often with permethrin to prevent mites and I've looked at several hens, and no sign of mites or lice. Their feathers look fine except for a few that are molting, and combs are bright. I have healthy birds. I purchase feed from our local mill in a tote; roasted grain mixed to a layer ration. I'm thinking this last tote had to be missing something .... but what? I've got some Purina Flock Raiser to get more protein going for now, but is there something I'm missing. I've had chickens for several years now .... usually in the summer I'm begging neighbors to take eggs. This year, we don't have enough for the family! I appreciate all you input and thanks.

 

[Bear1978]

How old are the ones that have quit laying?

 

[shaw613]

How old are the ones that have quit laying?

All of my hens have quit .... half from spring 2019, the rest from 2018. I reduce the flock after their 2nd year of laying (give them away to neighbors).

 

[RebelChief]

Mine seem to have slowed down too.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Mine slowed down for a couple weeks in the worst summer heat, but seem to have picked up again.

A few things that could cause a slowdown:

- mites
- improper nutrition or hydration
- molt
- recent predator pressure

I’m sure there are others as well that other members will mention.

 

[shaw613]

Mine slowed down for a couple weeks in the worst summer heat, but seem to have picked up again.

A few things that could cause a slowdown:

- mites
- improper nutrition or hydration
- molt
- recent predator pressure

I’m sure there are others as well that other members will mention.

Have checked for mites. I'm getting a new feed mixed with 18% protein vs the 16 layer they've been on .... will start there. I'm wondering if the feed mill mixed this batch (I get a large tote) a little short on protein? Changing to a different mill's blend (suggested by a breeder friend) and looking for additional protein. We always have raccoons trying to get in the coop, but it's secure and haven't had a loss there for years. I've also added oregano oil to the water. Thanks!

 

[shaw613]

Just a follow up to all who responded; I had my flock tested by the Colo State Avian department. We did OP swabs for several diseases, and came up positive for both MG and MS. I'm really sad, and thinking back to a wild turkey hen that was mingling with my hens and eating from their feeders. We've got a large ranch, and the turkeys have started coming up to our home place in the last 3 years. So the choice is either confine them or let them range and accept the Mycoplasma. My vet is investigating a vaccine that 'may' help prevent the vertical passing of the disease. Will see. Just be extra careful with wild birds, friends. We really enjoy the wildlife that comes through, but this has been an extremely expensive and difficult consequence.