hens not laying as well as they should....

[mcdaid36]

I have a flock of 16 laying hens. They just turned a year old. Last fall I was getting 14, sometimes 16 eggs a day. Now I'm lucky if I get 10. Most days I get 6-8. What's going on? They had a rooster in with them who we just got rid of (was too big for the hens and really tearing them up) and we've since added a few new hens to the flock. Could the changes in the flock have made them upset so they're not laying? Other than that, nothing has changed. Same food, same coop, just a lot less eggs. Any ideas?

 

[al6517]

Mine go through those little temper non egg laying tantrums every once in a while, who knows what the deals is LOL, I wouldn't worry to much they will find a reason to start up again.

AL

 

[mcdaid36]

I hope you're right! I have no idea whose laying and who isn't. Any hints for that?

 

[SPRING CREEK FARM]

How warm is it up there where you are in NY?
Here in middle Tennessee it has been blistering hot and humid-temps in the mid to high 90's and humidity levels at 85% some days! Mine have cut way back on laying but I know it is due to the heat here.

 

[mcdaid36]

Yesterday and today were the first warm days here in weeks. We reached 80 today. The last 2 weeks have been rainy and fairly cold for June - highs in the upper 50's - 60's. Everything is so soggy. Heat is definitely not the problem! But it was a good idea!

 

[SPRING CREEK FARM]

Wow, 60 degrees would feel real good about now. It is still 81 degrees here and it is 10:30 pm!

Maybe your chickens just can't stand the rain...

 

[silkiechicken]

Adding hens probably did it. Changes in weather or flock dynamics can mess up egg laying for a few good weeks.