Decreased production.

[Goodwin5]

I have 20 laying hens that been laying since late November. I've been getting 15-18 eggs a day but the last 2 days they have only laid 12 and 10. Lighting and feed have not changed. Is this common. I'm a little concerned because I have orders to fill and potential new restaurant clients.

 

[redsoxs]

Lighting hasn't changed as in you provide supplemental light? Not sure where you are located but sometimes cold temps decrease production. That's one possibility.

 

[Goodwin5]

I'm in northern Maine. I do provide supplemental heat and try to never let it get below 40°F where they are.

 

[DK newbie]

It could also be something that stressed them - a storm making the building creek, children or animals running around the cages or similar.

 

[Goodwin5]

Thank you all for the input. I'll keep an eye on the temperature and stress agents and hope they get back to their 15-18 egg a day rate to fill my orders quicker.

 

[Goodwin5]

I think it might have been the temp. Brought room up to 50 and 16/20 laid yesterday.

 

[Binki]

Nice!! Hopefully it's figured out now

 

[eHuman]

My hens lay full in 20°F weather, cold is not an issue. A sudden temperature swing to hot or cold can cause stress which can affect laying but it is the change itself, not the temperature that causes it.