Decreased Egglaying

[katie80]

My hens are 2 years old. Until recently, they have been laying an average of 5-7 eggs per week. We check feed and change water every day. We give 14 hours of artificial light during the darker seasons. The only thing that has changed lately is that one of our 6 hens was attacked and killed by some local wildlife (not sure what, but it only ate the head). Does anyone have suggestions? Have they come to the end of their most frequent laying? I am prepared to raise a new flock if necessary, but don't want to be preemptive. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

 

[afre96]

The hens are getting too old to give you the production a younge hen would give you. after two years their bodies stop producing eggs as much as they used to, they'll still lay eggs but only occasionally. if you only want production you might want a new flock, but if their pets with benenits your okay

 

[Pele]

Hrm, actually, have you caught the critter that ate your other hen? If it's still showing up at night and trying to break in, it could be scaring the bajeebus out of your hens, and stressing them too much for laying.