I Think I Discovered Something Most Of You Probably Already Knew

[PolarBear]

I have been going out during the day and checking for eggs 3-4 times a day. I work at night so I get bored sometimes during the day. I have 10 hens and I have only been getting 3-4 eggs/day. For the last few days I have only checked eggs once a day and I've been getting 6-7 eggs/day. Does checking for eggs several times a day really decrease egg production?

 

[canada-goose]

Not really. I suppose it could be the "watched pot never boils" thing.

 

[jeaucamom]

I know my girls didn't like to be "interrupted". They may do better with their laying boxes quiet and peaceful.

 

[PolarBear]

I wondered if it was just a coincidence. They have been with me for a couple of weeks now, so they've also had time to adjust. They haven't been laying long, either. They are only 8 months old. The days are getting longer on top of all of that, so I wasn't sure what was going on. Whatever the reason, I hope production keeps going up. So do my neighbors. I give away a lot of eggs when I get more than I can use.

 

[crazyhen]

Mine layed half the amt. when i worked on the opposite end of the coop. They do not like changes in their routine of any kind. Even someone in the yard cutting wood they didn't know threw them off. Changeing litter sometimes will through them off. Gloria Jean

 

[txchickie]

Could be true. Sometimes I like to pull up a chair and watch them and if someone is laying, they turn their butt to me and put straw on their backs

Little do they know I can see them from the kitchen window anyway

 

[easttxchick]

I guess I'm in the minority here-mine could care less if I'm working in the coop or whatever-they lay anyway. I spend a tremendous amount of time outside with my birds so perhaps they are just so used to me being around that it doesn't bother them anymore.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I don't think it makes any difference. The days are getting longer, so with the increased light, they are laying better. And chickens sometimes have the same "off" day. I got 4 eggs out of 5 hens yesterday, but the day before, I only got 2.

 

[debbie.h]

I have 12 hens and I get anywhere from 6-11eggs per day.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

If I don't keep checking constantly, my dog gets in and eats the eggs... so I get a LOT more eggs if I check and check!

*going out to check now*