Extreme Drop in Egg Production

[PamW]

If I remember right, I only set the timer once but it seems like the days weren't that short when I started....maybe in September. I aimed for 15 hours of light (including sunlight).

There evidence of one or two hens molting now. It would be wonderful if that's all it is, but it really seems like nine months would be plenty of time for their laying schedule to get regulated. I really don't want to send them to the soup pot, but my purpose in having them is for eggs, not for extra pets to feed.

Thank you for you input. I will at least wait until molting appears to be finished.

 

[aart]

Well, if misapplied lighting slowed production and put off the molt......who knows

You need to slowly ramp up the light or it can cause stress which can make the whole thing a crap shoot.

Here's a pretty good article on supplemental lighting. But there are so many variables with chickens.

 

[lithiachick]

I just noticed a sharp drop, as well, about a week ago.(only have 4 birds but was getting 3 per day usually.) I guessed it was due to the heat here in Florida (we are closer to the sun!) Mine are contained as well AND very secure. And mostly shade with a sunbathing area in late afternoon. This week, 1 egg on Sunday and no eggs for 2 days. Today, I see lots of feathers in the run.....I've up'd the protein a bit as well. Really hope I don't have to start buying eggs!they just turned 1 in May. Will follow this thread for advice.

 

[rhuxol]

I just noticed a sharp drop, as well, about a week ago.(only have 4 birds but was getting 3 per day usually.) I guessed it was due to the heat here in Florida (we are closer to the sun!) Mine are contained as well AND very secure. And mostly shade with a sunbathing area in late afternoon. This week, 1 egg on Sunday and no eggs for 2 days. Today, I see lots of feathers in the run.....I've up'd the protein a bit as well. Really hope I don't have to start buying eggs!they just turned 1 in May. Will follow this thread for advice.

I am having similar issues. I have 3 hens that start got hot here in Missouri I haven't had an egg in 2 weeks and there are feathers everywhere. Is the feather loss and decrease in egg production related? Anyone have any thoughts? I will create my own post too sorry to hijack!

 

[PamW]

I'm glad you "hi-jacked", maybe it will bring attention back to my problem that is still ongoing.

As for your situation, the feathers indicate they are molting and yes, they do stop egg production during molts. I'm not sure how long it lasts, though. I've had chickens for four years and if they molted I never realized it was happening. I do see feathers now, so hopefully when it is over, whatever other issues they were dealing with will be resolved as well. I have 30 chickens, 19 of laying age and I'm still only getting 3-4 eggs per day. We got excited one day when there were 6! lol.

I'm still looking for ideas about the problem and suggestions for a solution.

 

[lithiachick]

Pam. Wondering what breed (s) you have. Are they production? What is their normal expected production. If you've always gotten that amount of eggs, could it be the breed? Evidence of egg eater? Need to worm or treat other common problems. If not contained, are the hiding them? I've only had mine 1 year so I am definately NO expert. I recently read the molt in my area might end in July, but I think there are many variables to this as well. PS- 1 egg today, so I think I have 2 still laying. I hope they don't stop also. Lol

 

[lithiachick]

Sorry Pam. I thought I was responding to another thread. I see all the good information you already provided above.

 

[PamW]