I have 3 barred rock and 3 rir's that are about 8 mo old. had been getting between 4-5 eggs a day until the weather turned cold. now I am down to 1 a day if I am lucky. I am providing light for them from 4am to 8am. any ideas?
Egg laying drops off due to the shorter days, less light and the colder weather.. some breeds of chicken lay all winter... in any weather (Black Star, Orpington, etc.)... Some of mine slowed down laying when it was too hot as well. Eight months old.. have you ever wormed them? (see dawg53 posts on worming) I have read here that you can put a light on a timer in the coop.. set it to come on in the afternoon just before dusk.... and go off at about 9 or 10 PM to give them more "daylight" hours.. BUT, since you have a timer on in the early am.. maybe try a "double timer" to have it go off and come back on a second time in the afternoon for a few hours again..... or, switch it to afternoon? Worming or more light are all I have.. sorry... Good luck... maybe someone else can be more helpful.
First of all, Two of mine molted young their first year and did not lay for months. Any feathers lying about?
