Decreased egg production

[Chicken Papa]

My coturnix were laying an egg a day, then stopped. It coincided with the increase in heat here, but nothing else has changed. I keep a constant supply of feed and fresh water daily. I now only get an one or two eggs a day and sometimes none at all. Any reasons why? They are all 10-12 weeks old.

 

[dc3085]

Is there anything new in their environment that could be stressful to them?

Have you kept them on artificial light at all after they left the brooder?

Are you giving them oyster shell to replace the calcium they are losing through egg production?

 

[Chicken Papa]

Is there anything new in their environment that could be stressful to them?

No, I haven't changed a thing.

Have you kept them on artificial light at all after they left the brooder?

I got these as 8 week old adults, they have been in the cage the whole time. Only natural light.

Are you giving them oyster shell to replace the calcium they are losing through egg production?

No, but I definitely will be doing that.

 

[dc3085]

Ok. Start them on oyster shell and give it about 4-5 days. If they don't start back up it's something else, but we can at least eliminate one factor.

 

[TwoCrows]

Heat is definitely a factor in laying. You will notice a drastic reduction in the egg laying when the temps soar outside. The birds will level off and come back somewhat when they get used to the heat, but all poultry lay better in cooler weather. Dehydration, heat stress, and the fact they are not eating as much during this hot weather contributes to the reduction in laying.

 

[Chicken Papa]

I have been getting a few more eggs in the last two days, hopefully that is a sign that things are on the upswing!