Egg production

[seahuntmike]

Not sure if this is the right section for this question. This is my first summer with chickens and I've noticed that since its gotten hot my egg production has dropped dramatically. Is it a coincidence or is this normal. Thanks in advance.

 

[Toddrick]

I don't think it is normal. How old are your birds? Mine lay steady through the summer. In the winter they drop off. It depends on the breed I'm sure.

Maybe your birds are stressed because they are too hot or not getting enough fresh water. Or maybe they have a mite infestation or worms, or both. Better give them an exam. If a predator has scared them they could stop laying too I hear.

 

[seahuntmike]

Thanks they are young. Just under a year I think.

 

[Toddrick]

If they are molting then they will stop laying, but you should be able to tell by their feathers. It seems more likely that they are just stressed.

The first thing I'd do is make sure their is no mold in their food, or algae in their water. Clean both containers out with some bleach to disinfect. Clean the coop out, perhaps disinfect it as well. When the coop is clean, sans bedding and straw in the nesting boxes, I spray Permethrin (basically flea and tick spray) all over the wood surfaces to kill parasites and ward off flies. I would do all this not because there may be some viral infection, just to give them the most healthy environment. Also make sure they have adequate ventilation in the coop, and consider propping windows open wider for the summer.

As stated, check for mites. Additionally I would examine fresh poop for worms or diarrhea/blood. If you suspect coccidiosis or worms then post in the medical section for more specific help. As I understand it, any stress can affect egg laying, and it can also make them more susceptible to parasite infestations or other illness.

 

[aart]

Not sure if this is the right section for this question. This is my first summer with chickens and I've noticed that since its gotten hot my egg production has dropped dramatically. Is it a coincidence or is this normal. Thanks in advance.

How hot?
Yes, hot weather can effect production.

I wouldn't strip and bleach everything just yet .....unless you positively find a real reason to do so.
The stress of such an upheaval might only prolong the lack of laying.

How long have you had these layers?
Under a year is too young for molting, first full adult molt usually happens around 18 months old.

Running out of water, even for a few hours, in really hot weather can cause cessation of lay.

More info about:
how many birds, climate(putting your location in your profile can help there),
size of coop and run(feet by feet),
what you are feeding(protein and calcium levels) and any other foods.
Any or all those might have an impact.