egg production dropping...

[IggiMom]

I really do try to manage my little flock well. Recently I am not getting the eggs I was getting. True, I have a bunch of them broody, and apparently they plan to spend the rest of their lives like that, but still, I should be getting more eggs.

I am wondering if perhaps they could be eating them. I have seen some evidence of this, like pecked eggs, and the occasional broken one.

Am I going to have to start over with a new flock?

I am really discouraged, as I have worked hard to have customers for my eggs, and now all of a sudden I don't have the eggs.

As I said, just very discouraging.

Catherine

 

[MotherJean]

You asked about Verm-X on another thread so I am assuming you're already considering worms as a possible reason for fewer eggs. Definitely pursue that line of thinking. Unless you're wanting chicks, I would suggest being very firm about breaking broody hens. A couple of days in "broody jail" is often all it takes to get your hen back to laying. If eggs are being eaten, it could be a hen or it could be a predator (like a snake). Lastly, if your flock is free range, have you walked your property looking for hidden nests? Wishing you all the best in finding a quick and easy solution to your decreased egg production.

 

[lilray]

Heck, that could be a lot of things. I say shake things up a little bit. They are probably hum drum. They will go back to laying. Draw the line with the broodies.

 

[detali]

My hens are laying fewer eggs lately too. I think the hot weather we have been having has something to do with it.