Eggs appear to be getting smaller, is this possible and why??

[sarahs chooks]

Hi I have 9 chickens, 2 new ones are just pol, 6 are the common laying hybrids that are about 2 1/2 yrs old and my oldest 1 is 3 1/2.... my egg production is down from my 7 oldies as 3 are in moult, but I have also noticed that the other oldies that are still laying, their eggs seem to be getting smaller like when they first started laying. Does anyone know why this is happening please???

 

[Ridgerunner]

First the obvious question. Are you sure it is not the new pullets? I know, but I have to ask.

Have you changed their feed, specifically gone down in protein? The amount of protein they eat does affect egg size. We talk about % protein in the feed but it is really about how much actual volume of protein they eat daily. The 16% used in Layer is about what they need to efficiently produce a large sized egg if 16% Layer is about all they eat. In the winter, if they are laying, they don't need as high a protein since they eat more feed for the calories. In the summer, they could use a slightly higher protein feed since they don't need to eat as much to get the calories they need. The 16% usually gives a good balance. Too little protein means smaller eggs. Too much protein means larger eggs, but this can cause other problems. So regardless of what % protein you are feeding, have they recently had access to food that is lower in protein? I would expect it to take a really significant difference for it to noticeably affect egg size.

That's all I can think of as to why they might go down in size. I've never had mine get smaller as the hens get older or approach a molt. Just a wild thought. Some hens lay a bit while molting. Not many lay at all while molting and those that do don't lay a lot of eggs, but a few do. Maybe they are diverting most of the protein they are eating to growing new feathers and don't have much left for the eggs? No science or experience behind that, just a wild thought.

 

[sarahs chooks]

Thanks for the reply Ridgerunner, I also thought maybe it was 1 of the pullets but I have seen the old girls laying them

I changed their feed 3 weeks ago but to a better quality feed with higher protien, So I am still stumped as to why, but thankyou so much for all your help, Maybe I just have funny girls