Low egg production

[Justde]

We have 65 hens that are laying (We have more but they are molting and 2 are broody, so not counting them). They are mostly heritage breeds ( a few amber links and some sapphire gems), 2 1/2 years old. During the summer months we were getting about 30 eggs a day, now down to about 15. Feeding pullet grower 17% from our local feed store, free choice grit and calcium, and some sunflower seed for scratch, some veggie scraps occasionally, fresh water daily. Waterers are scrubbed every couple of days. They are in a large contained run so no hidden nests. Treated for mites in July, no sign of pests since then. They get light from 4 am til they go in at 5. Does the egg count seem normal, or are we missing something in their care?

 

[nuthatched]

It's winter break, sometimes not even lights will keep them from natural rests.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Wondering where you are located that it gets dark that early. What is your weather? Chickens can cut back a lot in extreme cold weather. I don't know if that is a factor.

How long have they been laying without a break? After a certain amount of time their bodies get worn down and they need a break. For commercial operations with commercial breeds that might be 13 to 15 months of continuous laying without a molt. I don't know what breeds you have if you consider an average of 30 eggs a day from 65 hens to be OK but they are mostly heritage breeds, not commercial. I don't know how long they can go continuously.

How sure are you that more are not molting? Some chickens are slow molters, their feathers fall out so slowly you cannot tell they are molting by just looking at them.

Good luck! This can be frustrating trying to figure out.

 

[Justde]

Wondering where you are located that it gets dark that early. What is your weather? Chickens can cut back a lot in extreme cold weather. I don't know if that is a factor.

How long have they been laying without a break? After a certain amount of time their bodies get worn down and they need a break. For commercial operations with commercial breeds that might be 13 to 15 months of continuous laying without a molt. I don't know what breeds you have if you consider an average of 30 eggs a day from 65 hens to be OK but they are mostly heritage breeds, not commercial. I don't know how long they can go continuously.

How sure are you that more are not molting? Some chickens are slow molters, their feathers fall out so slowly you cannot tell they are molting by just looking at them.

Good luck! This can be frustrating trying to figure out.

Thank you. We are in northern WI. We understand that all the conditions you mentioned can have an effect. We went from 4+ doz a day last year from all 85 hens ( we lost 4 this past year) to 3 doz or less in the spring and early summer this year, and are now at 1-1 1/2 doz. a day. Just wondering if we should be concerned or just figure it's a result of less daylight, age, molting, etc.

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Sometimes age makes a difference too. Older they are, slower they get too. I know many people add/switch out 2-3yo hens for pullets for that reason.
Good luck!

Any chance of a small predator eating just eggs?

 

[Justde]

Sometimes age makes a difference too. Older they are, slower they get too. I know many people add/switch out 2-3yo hens for pullets for that reason.
Good luck!

Any chance of a small predator eating just eggs?

None LOL They live in a Fort Knox coop and run. No outside access to the coops. And yes, as eggs get fewer they are getting bigger. Standard large look like medium by comparison to most of the rest.