GGGRRRR! All of the sudden they're not laying!

[rapunzil]

I have 30+ birds and normally get 12 - 18 eggs a day. For the last week have only been getting 4 - 6.

We have been experiencing a heatwave/humidity here in NJ for the last month, but now the weather is much better. However they still aren't laying well.

The only thing I can think of is that its time to clean the coop, its starting to get stinky.

Any other thoughts?

 

[phaethona]

ACV in their water to de-worm?
maybe check to make sure their feed isn't water-damaged or molded?

 

[emys]

Are they enclosed all day or laying out in the grass?

Look for hidden nests.

You may have rats/skunks eating eggs.

When is the last time you wormed? More than a year?

Made any changes in the pecking order lately?

Switched chicken feed on them?

Starting to molt already? (I have one doing that now)

So many factors can change laying habits.

 

[scooter147]

I have 30 hens as well and getting 6-7 eggs a day as well. I was wondering what was up as well. Then it dawned on me that I was noticing quite a few feathers in the coop. So I started checking hens, yep most have gone into molt. Seems way to early.

 

[Chicken Girl]

Weird! Mine are molting too!


Chicken Girl

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

mine too.

 

[whudson]

So how long does this non-egg laying molting period last?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think this answers your question and more.

Kansas State feather loss
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

While I'm at it, this one could be interesting for you too.

Mississippi State describes molting
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html