Egg and laying questions

[Annalyse]

1. I went to the flock this morning to find yolk all over, idk if someone layed a soft egg bc there was no egg shell. Looks like they had a blast eating up the yolk. This would be the second soft egg and it's been a couple weeks.

2. One hen was broody a couple weeks ago and she hasnt layed any eggs yet. Idk if its stress from the other hens or just after broodiness.

3. Is it normal for hens to take a days break from laying eggs? I used to get 6 eggs everyday, now I get 3 or 4. Heat stress? Rooster stress? Pecking order stress?

If anyone could help me with this, thank you. I'm worried about the soft egg bc idk who is laying it and what I need to do to help the flock and there stress.

 

[azygous]

This time in the season there are some hens that will be backing off egg laying as fall molt is gradually being triggered by shorter days. Egg quality issues are also more apt to occur during this period preceding molt.

 

[Annalyse]

This time in the season there are some hens that will be backing off egg laying as fall molt is gradually being triggered by shorter days. Egg quality issues are also more apt to occur during this period preceding molt.

okay thank you!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

2. Hens usually resume laying about 2 weeks after broodiness, but some start up again sooner, some much later.

3. Yes stress can cause them to stop laying for a while. Heat is a big one, but any other stressor can cause reduced or no laying.