Egg production down....

[hollyjolly0984]

It is June in Texas. I have about 7-8 grown hens and I’m only getting about 1-2 eggs daily from these girls. I’m not sure what’s going on as I was getting about 4-5 daily just a few weeks ago. The other thing I’ve noticed is more brittle shells the past few weeks so not sure if increased calcium needs are related to egg production? I plan to get some oyster shell to add to their Layer feed but is there anything else I should be considering here? Is it just the Texas heat because I feel it’s a little early for it to be way too hot. Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Heat stress can slow ovulation and sometimes cause shells to thin due to uptake of calcium and phosphorus.
Don't add oyster shell to layer feed. OS must be in a separate container. If mixed, they will have no choice but to consume excess calcium if they want to eat.
Increased calcium has nothing to do with ovulation. Ovulation is more related to amino acid intake. Calcium carbonate merely replaces the calcium lost in the medullary bone used to build an egg shell - after ovulation.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've noticed decreased egg production during the summer heat.
I cut treats by half and give them a wet mash made with their regular feed.
For 8 chickens give one cup of dry feed mixed with one cup of cold water from the fridge and serve immediately in a shady spot daily till cooler weather. . I serve it early afternoon.
It gets egg production back up to pre summer levels here. Coop should be in a shady spot if possible.
In the summer my chickens eat way less feed than the cooler months.
If hens don't get enough Protein and the balanced amino acids, egg production slows down. GC