I didn't know there is so many things that would make a chicken not lay very many eggs.

[nicolette]

Is there anything whether their molting,slowing down in laying in winter & summer that could increase them laying more eggs?

 

[Parront]

Is there anything whether their molting,slowing down in laying in winter & summer that could increase them laying more eggs?

Moulting, nothing you can do except feed them a higher protein feed. Time of year = shorter days so you can add light to their coop. Hens want 14 hour days to lay at their best, add 15 min to the length of their day in the morning each week. Not all at once, that causes more problems. That is the quick and dirty explanation, there is a whole thread on this. For a more thorough discussion go here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/why-arent-my-chickens-laying-here-are-your-answers.423023/

 

[nicolette]

If they need protein in their feed how much percentage? Also w/not very much egg production could it be mites?

 

[nicolette]

is there any supplements that I should be giving them to increase health of chicken?

 

[K3nzi3]

Try supplementing with oystershell grit and providing layer feed of good quality. And maybe getting a light inside their coop? It might help.

 

[TexasSam]

If they need protein in their feed how much percentage? Also w/not very much egg production could it be mites?

Just add some protein to there daily diet like mealworms. I give mine boiled eggs with the shell on and crushed works great. But only three times a week because protein usually comes with fat and you don't want a fat chicken

 

[nicolette]

Try supplementing with oystershell grit and providing layer feed of good quality. And maybe getting a light inside their coop? It might help.

What chicken feed do you recommend? I'm giving them 17 % protein now & their food has grit already in the food. Plus I do add oyster shell as well. So I'm not to late if I add a light right now? It won't hurt the health of the chicken? Does the light mess up their moulting?

 

[TexasSam]

Try supplementing with oystershell grit and providing layer feed of good quality. And maybe getting a light inside their coop? It might help.

A light in the morning and a light for a hour in the evening

 

[nicolette]

A light in the morning and a light for a hour in the evening

So I'm not to late to add a light right now?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What chicken feed do you recommend? I'm giving them 17 % protein now & their food has grit already in the food. Plus I do add oyster shell as well. So I'm not to late if I add a light right now? It won't hurt the health of the chicken? Does the light mess up their moulting?

Adding extra lights can mess them up. You may get more eggs, but it could have some longer lasting affects. Feeding a higher protein feed, 18-22% can help to optimize production. Keep extras to a minimum. Never let them run out of fresh clean water.

There are many reasons for production to go up and down and to stop. The first question would be what breeds do you have? Some are egg breeds, others are dual purpose or meat breeds.

How old are your birds? The best production is seen during the first two seasons. You will see the lowest production through the winter. Production will peak in early spring to early summer.

Keeping stress down, and providing proper housing that isn't crowded can help too. Chickens are living creatures, all are different as far as egg production. Picking the correct breeds, and providing proper and consistent care will get you the most eggs.