Chickens not laying as much as usual

[HolyHenHouse]

My chickens are not laying very many eggs right now... I am in Texas and the weather is still warm so that is not the issue. I have 10 hens and have been getting 2-3 eggs a day for about 4 days. They are about 9 months old and have never molted, so that could be the issue but im not really sure.

 

[Egger Anna]

In my experience, as the days get shorter, they tend to lay less. Its pretty warm where I am, and I'm only averaging about 5 eggs a day from my 20 hens.

 

[HolyHenHouse]

oh nooo! I usually sell eggs but I may have to stop until they get back to normal!

 

[Egger Anna]

oh nooo! I usually sell eggs but I may have to stop until they get back to normal!

Its a good idea to reserve some eggs in the fridge during the times of plenty (Summer months) so that you have ample to sell during the times of dearth.

 

[HolyHenHouse]

thank ya! I will keep that in mind next year!

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, mine are roosting earlier and getting off later. I have 7 layers and 3 pullets, and got 1 egg. I am afraid my pullets won't lay now until January/February.

It is not the temperature, it is the amount and quality of light!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Absolutely it's the hours of daylight. As soon as all mine are done molting (looking at you, Winnie!), I'll be adding a little evening light to the hen house. They've been on vacation for well over a month already. Twenty layers and I'm getting 2 to 4 eggs? Come on, now!

 

[Donna Dermody]

My chickens are not laying very many eggs right now... I am in Texas and the weather is still warm so that is not the issue. I have 10 hens and have been getting 2-3 eggs a day for about 4 days. They are about 9 months old and have never molted, so that could be the issue but im not really sure.

Same! I’m in Texas and my hens stopped laying-was told it was the heat-so we waited-was told it was the feed- so we switched- now it’s gorgeous temps and still getting nothing. Thinking it’s not worth it anymore

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Right now it's most likely the shortened days. Chickens need 12 to 14 hours of daylight to trigger the egg-laying process, I understand. Most of mine went into molt about a month ago, so production dropped off from that, and now we're getting about 8 hours of daylight so we're getting one to no eggs a day.

Yesterday I started adding supplemental light to my coop in the evening to get them back to work. This is earlier than I usually do, but I have some POL pullets I want to stimulate to get with the program. Many people say to add the light in the morning, but I am not, repeat NOT an early riser. Also, you don't need bright light, I believe even a night light will do. I expect it to take a week or so before I see more eggs. Good luck and keep the faith!