I've had 10 eggs in 4 days from 9 hens

[IamRainey]

They laid fine all winter long. Now days are getting longer and they'll slacking off. Never had such low production. What gives?

3 of them are not a year old yet
4 of them are about 2 years old
2 of them are close to 3 years old

They all live inside their coop/run 24/7. I was probably averaging about 4 eggs a day prior to this slowdown. I don't think either of my 2yo Orpingtons has laid in 5 days.

 

[Kiki]

What do you feed them?
How's their poop looking?
Any predator issues...scares?

 

[aart]

They laid fine all winter long. Now days are getting longer and they'll slacking off. Never had such low production. What gives?

3 of them are not a year old yet
4 of them are about 2 years old
2 of them are close to 3 years old

They all live inside their coop/run 24/7. I was probably averaging about 4 eggs a day prior to this slowdown. I don't think either of my 2yo Orpingtons has laid in 5 days.

Did the older ones molt in fall?

 

[IamRainey]

Their food is the same as ever: all-flock feed + cabbage & kitchen scraps. They peck at feed any time of day when they feel like it but they're all over the greenery when I offer it.

I haven't seen any noteworthy poo. I also haven't seen any signs of lethargy or poor health.

If there were predator scares they would most likely happen at night when I'm dead to the world but I don't see evidence of digging. And I'm happy to say they live in Fort Knox.

Everything seems to be what it always is. That's why I'm dumbfounded and asking about it.

 

[IamRainey]

Did the older ones molt in fall?

All but the youngest did. And they continued laying through their molt. They didn't molt particularly hard. Bare backs. Scrawny tail feathers. Nothing I'd take a picture of to shock all my friends.

 

[Kiki]

Have you ever dewormed them?
Or can you have poop tested?

 

[IamRainey]

No. I have never dewormed them. It wouldn't occur to me. What are signs that there may be worms to be concerned about? How do they acquire worms?

How would I go about deworming them? And would that be traumatic for them? ...I mean unless it were clear that there were worms that needed to be eliminated.

If I were to make a close examination of poo and saw some worm/s, how would I determine which hen needed deworming? Or would it be appropriate to deworm them all?

Hmmmm. Can I have their poo tested? I dunno. I will have to see what resources are available to me for that. But I live in a highly urban area so I'm guessing not a world of resources at my disposal.

 

[IamRainey]

I got this info about worms. Perhaps it will be useful to someone else.

I live in a hot dry climate which would seem to make at least some worms less likely. BUT we did have a wet cold winter.

I'm going to clean the deep litter out of their coop and put it directly in the compost then give them fresh pine shavings. And tomorrow when there's fresh poo I'll see what I can see in it.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Not all vets will run a fecal float for chickens...but check. Once you’ve done that...if you even want to go that route...I use an herbal dewormer...highly debated on here. I’ll tell you why I choose it...it’s eas...you can put it in the feed instead on single dose....it can be given to other animals..and you don’t have to throw away th3 eggs they lay while the dewormer is in their system. I’m new to this...I’m a hobby farmer, so I have different needs.....but, I just wanted you to be aware of Molly’s herbal...it’s affordable and easy...it was recommended by another BYC member...good luck...

 

[Kiki]

No. I have never dewormed them. It wouldn't occur to me. What are signs that there may be worms to be concerned about? How do they acquire worms?

How would I go about deworming them? And would that be traumatic for them? ...I mean unless it were clear that there were worms that needed to be eliminated.

If I were to make a close examination of poo and saw some worm/s, how would I determine which hen needed deworming? Or would it be appropriate to deworm them all?

Hmmmm. Can I have their poo tested? I dunno. I will have to see what resources are available to me for that. But I live in a highly urban area so I'm guessing not a world of resources at my disposal.

The reason for this thread itself can be a sign of worms.
Are you friendly with a dog vet?

9/10 You won't see works in poop until it's a really bad infestation.

If you were to deworm one I'd deworm them all.

Don't fall for the myth that DE will rid worms.
It is not fact.
Worming Chickens—Medicines and Dosing Information
Safe-Guard sold for goats or horses will rid most common chicken worms.