low egg production, any suggestions

[marliah]

Hi there, I have 23 chickens, 2 roosters, 21 hens, mostly rhode island reds, a couple mixed breed, 2 white leghorns and a couple black bantams. I ought these from a local farmer who was getting rid of his chicken flock. They are differing ages some a year old some up to 5 years old. I am averaging 6-8 eggs a day and am wondering if I should expect more from them considering the ages of some of the hens, etc. They free range, have food and water available in their coop and a waterer in the yard too. They eat layer pellets, the egg quality of the eggs we do get is great, nice shell,s good orange yolks. I just don't think that seems like good egg production for such a large flock. I am considering putting the majority in the freezer this fall then starting with some new chicks next spring, but maybe I should just do that now? any tips for me that may up their production?

Thanks!

 

[mamaKate]

If they free range, is it possible they're hiding eggs outside the coop?

 

[eggsited chickens]

I was going to say the same thing as mamakate. I have chickens that don't lay in the nest boxes. They lay in the run and on the floo of the coop. You never know where you will find them.

 

[marliah]

yeah I haven't found any in the woods, and now there are hens who are eating eggs, so I am just going to take the majority and have them for dinner and keep the girls I know are good layers. Ordered 6 more pullets and we will see if we can get a good laying flock yet.

Thanks for the suggestions though.