Less eggs in the summer

[missy22]

We have about 18 Road Island reds (I say about cuz we have lost some this year to coons)
We was getting 16-18 eggs per day, now we are lucky to get 6, could it be the head?

 

[carrlr]

Yes, heat can be a factor especially when you get a real hot spell that last more than a day or two. If you've eliminated all other factors (molts, bugs, poor health) I would assume heat related.

 

[teamsunbelt]

My little flock of 8 hens are feeling it too. It has been near 100 every day for over a week, and don't even ask about the humidity. 5-6 eggs a day has gone to 3 if we are lucky. My moms golden comets are even slacking off. I can not blame them. On the days I work outside all day, I would not lay an egg either.

 

[TnChickHen]

WHEW!! I thought I was the only one!! thank you Missy for posting this! We have 2 (had 3 layers, had to cull one) layers, and not a single egg from them since July 2nd!! I'm in Tennessee and it's even more humidity living right next to a lake. Who'da thunk?? Lol, oh well. I sure hope their laying picks up soon...

 

[Chick named Lola]

Yup, same here in Maryland. Hot, humid...yucky. 5 girls, 2, maybe 3 eggs a day. I'm just trying to keep them cool with freezer treats, cold, fresh kale, tomato's, corn etc... I've got a little fan inside the coop and I hope that helps. They love the big one out in the run. I've tried adding extra protein which usually helps. To no avail.

You are not alone!

 

[Chick named Lola]

:yiipchickWhoops!! I spoke too soon! It's only 12noon and I just went out to find 4 beautiful eggs! I only have one hold out today so far...Nugget will pull thru for me, she's a good layer. Wow, it's been so long since I had 5 eggs from 5 chickens!

 

[CCourson05]

I live in northern mississippi, and the heat index has been 116 for the past two weeks. I went from getting 17 to 5. Only thing I've been doing is making sure they have shade, water, and a wading pool.

 

[CCourson05]

Quote:
Protein will do nothing for them when stuff like this happens. It's just too hot. But everyone needs to make sure no one feeds your chickens grains, like scratch or corn. It increases their metabolism, which raises their internal temperature. BAD IDEA...

 

[kcfuerst]

Same thing here in California. Doesn't help to have two go broody at the same time.

 

[7L Farm]

It's been a hundred here for weeks & I just got back from the coop & got 10 for 10. Guess my girls like the heat. They layed eggs all winter as well . Yes I'm bragging because I love getting an egg from everyone. Yee Haw LOL