Lazy chickens!

[sticksoup]

I have two RIR's approximently 35 weeks old. They are lousy layers. We get one egg a day from the pair combined- some days none at all. The first month they laid very well- almost an egg each a day- but that stopped long ago. I understand they don't lay proficiently in a molt but I haven't noticed any molting. They are fed layer food, but they get lots of treats. The treats always include some protein item- meat or egg and they love cheese. My DH has a light on a timer so they get plenty of light. They get to free range at least an hour a day. They look plenty healthy so I can't figure out what the problem is. My little BO lays better than the spoiled Reds. Please advise!!! They should have been dinner long ago!

 

[Lucky Ducky]

Your girls are almost 3 years old! They are slowing down. There isn't anything you can do about Mother Nature. Chickens only lay really good for the first 2 or 3 years.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

If 35 weeks is correct they are like just under 9 months old, correct?

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:

and its might be the heat as well

 

[Chicken Ninja]

Your girls are almost 3 years old! They are slowing down. There isn't anything you can do about Mother Nature. Chickens only lay really good for the first 2 or 3 years.

Lol do the math dude...

This guy is correct

If 35 weeks is correct they are like just under 9 months old, correct?

35 Weeks = 245 days
245 Days / 30 Days Per Month = a little over 8 months old.

Personally I have no idea why your chickens could be slowing down. Hopefully they'll pick back up, but I'm not the expert on these type of things.

 

[TexasVet]

Don't know what your weather is like, but it's hot as heck here in Texas. The hens most affected are my RIRs; I even lost one to heat stroke. That said, egg laying at my house is down across the board.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[sticksoup]

Right- only about 9 months. Not 3 years yet! Sorry if I confused you. I suppose they could be hot and if everyone is also getting decreased production then I will blame the heat. Where I am in Florida it rains a little everyday and cools us down. We rarely get into the 90's like Texas and some of those real hot spots. Thanks for your input!!!

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
yes, thats correct. I don't know for sure, but mine had gone through something similar about 2 months ago. I called them slackers! They are back up to laying pretty good now. I don't know what causes them to do this

, maybe someone can tell you.

 

[Lucky Ducky]

Sorry!!! I was for some reason thinking in months : 35 months almost being 3 years.

My mistake. It could be the heat like everyone else has pointed out.