Egg size/chicken deaths

[Kansas Gal]

We have a few 6 month old hens, and have a question. We have Buff Orpingtons, Welsummers, Gold Laced Wyandotte, Cuckoo Maran and Jersey Black Giants. We have been getting eggs for about 6 weeks now. I was told that when the chicks started laying, the eggs would be smaller, but the size would increase as they matured. On occasion, we get a large egg, but mostly, the eggs are medium in size. Can we expect larger eggs in the future? I thought all of these breeds were to be producing large sized eggs. We are new to the chicken world, so are not sure if the eggs will get bigger.

Also, has anyone else had a chicken that died after laying an egg? About a week ago, we lost a Buff who had laid a golf ball sized and shaped egg that was covered in blood, as was her bottom. I felt so badly for her.

One more thing. Yesterday, I went out to give the chickens fresh water, and found one of our Cuckoo Marans dead in the coop. There were no marks on her, and she had appeared to be fine just hours before. Are there any signs I should be watching out for, so maybe I could do something before I lose another one? My chickens have a 50' x 75' area to play around in all day, and their coop is kept as clean as a chicken coop can be kept. I just wonder, with losing two chickens in 9 days, if I am missing something! My girls come running to me when I go out to the pen, and I try to look them all over every day. Any suggestions/comments, would be most welcome!

 

[NonnasBabies]

Not sure on the last 2 of your questions but the first one is yes!! Their eggs will eventually get larger as they lay!! Might take a few months!! Sorry to hear about the loss of your chickens!!

Missi

 

[Kansas Gal]

Thanks! It is strange that the large eggs I have received have all been double yolkers, but I have had few of them! I feel better about that!

As for my two girls dying, I just felt so badly about them, though there was no indication I saw of a problem. Guess it is just one of those things!

 

[12GAGirl]

Does your flock get grit?

 

[Cindy in PA]

Always seems that the major loss of chickens without disease is from egg laying problems. The few times I have lost chickens over the years, it has usually been just after they start to lay or when the start to lay again after a molt. Hope all goes well from here.

 

[Kansas Gal]

I do keep grit available for the chickens. Is this a problem to them?

I guess the hens dying is something I should have prepared for, but I just wasn't prepared, especially since they were all just running around as usual, then boom! Within a couple of hours, one is dead, then 9 days later, a second one. Hope these are the last for awhile!