Laying less eggs

[davidjkcho]

I have 4 one year old Easter eggers in California.
They started laying eggs in January and laid 3-4 eggs per day.
But I got average 2 eggs recently and got only one egg today.
No food or environment have changed and they were free ranging in the backyard.

Any idea/suggestions?

 

[nuthatched]

Is it summer? They could be at their 1 year molt as well, I'm also down eggs.

 

[davidjkcho]

Is it summer? They could be at their 1 year molt as well, I'm also down eggs.

Yes it is summer here.

 

[nuthatched]

Yes it is summer here.

They less in the summer, it's natural.

 

[aart]

They less in the summer, it's natural.

Tho long term high heat can inhibit laying, most birds don't take a summer break from laying.

they were free ranging in the backyard.

Are they still free ranging?
Good chance they may be laying out in range area.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop/run for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[davidjkcho]

Tho long term high heat can inhibit laying, most birds don't take a summer break from laying.


Are they still free ranging?
Good chance they may be laying out in range area.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop/run for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

It's been hot lately. Maybe that is why.
My backyard is not so big and they didn't lay outside.