Egg production suddenly dropped

[booklover]

If you free range them, it could be that they have decided to lay somewhere else other than their usual spot

They are locked in the coop. they used to be cage free but several months ago I lost three to some dogs

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Is there any chance something else is getting your eggs? Is your coop snake-proof, rat-proof, etc.?

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

If you free range them, it could be that they have decided to lay somewhere else other than their usual spot

That is true.

 

[booklover]

Is there any chance something else is getting your eggs? Is your coop snake-proof, rat-proof, etc.?

It is pretty snake proof and I've seen my girls eat snakes before (outside the coop)

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I can't think of anything else. I had an episode a year or so ago when I had eight layers and production dropped from almost 100% to 0 - 2 eggs a day. Then one day I went out there and found a good-sized black rat snake coiled around a bunch of eggs in a nest, with two or three eggs already in him. But I keep the door open so the hens can go in and out from their run, so he didn't even have to sneak to get in.

 

[booklover]

I can't think of anything else. I had an episode a year or so ago when I had eight layers and production dropped from almost 100% to 0 - 2 eggs a day. Then one day I went out there and found a good-sized black rat snake coiled around a bunch of eggs in a nest, with two or three eggs already in him. But I keep the door open so the hens can go in and out from their run, so he didn't even have to sneak to get in.

Well thanks for the suggestions!!!
I guess it doesn't matter how so much as how to get them back at it!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Well thanks for the suggestions!!!
I guess it doesn't matter how so much as how to get them back at it!

Good point! Sorry I can't help. Good luck.

 

[Ferd Berfel]

Maybe go into the coop late at night looking for an egg eating varmint.

 

[booklover]

The nest boxes are closed at night and I collect the eggs every afternoon