Is this normal??

[Mountain Peeps]

My two buff orp hens have REALLY started to decrease in laying this year. They are three years old but I didn't know they slowed down SO much! Is it normal? They have calcium, food, greens, water with apple cider vinegar and there is nothing wrong with the nests and they aren't hidding their eggs anywhere.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I would put them on a 20% protein feed temporarily to see if that helps. Like unmedicated chick starter or Flock Raiser (put oyster shell on the side if you try these though since they don't have enough calcium for layers).

Stop all scratch if you are feeding that, just temporarily, as that decreases the total protein in the diet.

For BOs I have found that I am fortunate to have say, 50% of them laying per day at about 2 years. So if you require 10 eggs a day, then have 20 hens. But they do take breaks for molt in fall/winter. Also for heat!! And if you worm them too. Any stress can do it- any disruption in the flock or rearranging the coop.

I don't have BOs now. I have switched to BAs.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thanks for your help!

I haven't been feeding scratch since it has been warm. (But not too warm!) I'll consider the 20% protein idea. Thanks!
The only other thing I can think of is that one of them is molting slightly. But, that doesn't explain the other!

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

My two buff orp hens have REALLY started to decrease in laying this year. They are three years old but I didn't know they slowed down SO much! Is it normal? They have calcium, food, greens, water with apple cider vinegar and there is nothing wrong with the nests and they aren't hidding their eggs anywhere.

I've heard if you had hens that stopped laying that if you put baking soda in their food it boosts egg production. I have never tried it, but it might be something worth trying. Especially since most people have it on hand, If you try it make sure to lets us know if it works.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I've heard if you had hens that stopped laying that if you put baking soda in their food it boosts egg production. I have never tried it, but it might be something worth trying. Especially since most people have it on hand, If you try it make sure to lets us know if it works.

Thanks! I guess I'll give it a shot!!