Flock without water for days? Decline in eggs normal?

[snkjohnson]

I noticed the other day my flock of 14 chickens (8 months old) was out of water, I feel terrible! Weather has been nice, 50s-60s so not too hot. I have a huge automatic waterer and just didn't think they'd go through it so fast, so I didn't check it as frequently as I should have. They were without water for at least a day or two, not sure how long. Got them watered, but since that day egg production DRASTICALLY and suddenly dropped. I went from getting around 12 eggs a day one day to suddenly only getting 4-6. It's been a few days with no improvement in egg production. Is this normal with a lack of water, or could it be something else? Is there anything I can do to help them get back to normal laying or does anyone have experience in how long I can expect that to take? I've also noticed their poo seems a little bit runny. TIA for any advice!

 

[nuthatched]

Completely normal for dehydration.

 

[snkjohnson]

Thanks for your reply! Do you know how long it can take to return to normal production?

 

[sourland]

Thanks for your reply! Do you know how long it can take to return to normal production?

It is possible that they may even go through a molt before restarting. All depends on how long they were water deprived.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Thanks for your reply! Do you know how long it can take to return to normal production?

They may return in a day or two. They (or some) may go into a molt like Sourland mentioned and take a month or more to return to production. Each chicken is an individual, I'd not be surprised by different results.