Lots of hens...few eggs

[draftnjohn]

My wife and I have had chickens for a couple of years and we have just recently added to our flock of 6. We now have 45 all of varying ages and breeds. Our original 6 have not laid an egg since we introduced all the others over the past few weeks and only a few of the new ones are laying. Out of 30 or so who should be laying, we only got 5 eggs today and that has been about the norm. We leave feed in the coop at all times and we give them fresh water everyday. We have 16 nesting boxes but they aren’t all together in the same area. We have about 200 sq ft of coop and a 12x20 run and we let them out for a couple hours every evening. Thanks for you help.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located? Breeds and age can dictate laying. Time of year too. Being relocated is stressful and will cause hens to stop laying. So is new members coming in.

It can a while for hens to feel comfortable enough to lay again. Lots of things can play into production. Switching feeds, running out of water, weather, and weather changes to name a few more. Give them time to adapt.

 

[draftnjohn]

Where are you located? Breeds and age can dictate laying. Time of year too. Being relocated is stressful and will cause hens to stop laying. So is new members coming in.

It can a while for hens to feel comfortable enough to lay again. Lots of things can play into production. Switching feeds, running out of water, weather, and weather changes to name a few more. Give them time to adapt.

I am in North Carolina. We make sure they never run out of water. Do the hot temperatures have anything to do with egg production?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Heat will make birds eat less ration. So it's important to feed a good quality one. I personally recommend a higher protein one so even if they consume less they are still getting enough to keep up laying. I recommend a 18-20% ration. I feed an All Flock ration with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Limiting extras can help too.

 

[draftnjohn]

What exactly do you mean by “limiting extras”?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What exactly do you mean by “limiting extras”?

If you are giving extras like scratch or scraps, feeding too much of that type of stuff will also cut their daily protein intake. Lots of folks on this site like to give treats to their chickens.

 

[aart]

Our original 6 have not laid an egg since we introduced all the others over the past few weeks and only a few of the new ones are laying.

Adding that many birds over a few weeks is chaotic for all involved.

Coop space is OK...run space is tight.
Do you free range?
Do you have multiple feeders and waterers?
The older birds may be ramping down production in preparation to molt.

 

[aart]

Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!

Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!