New layer started, then stopped.

[MysTzN]

My family and I are new to raising chickens, so I just need to know...We have two chickens that we raised from chicks. About a month ago, one of them started laying. About two weeks later, the other started laying. The first one is still laying everyday, however, the second one has stopped. Is this normal when they first start laying?

 

[MzPlacedHippie]

Wouldn't mind knowing this one too!

 

[iheartnh]

How long has it been since she stopped? And are you sure one has stopped completely?

 

[theadopter]

I have 8 and I get 6-8 a day, The 8 per day is about every four days the 6 per day is also about every 4 days, I was getting a double yolk about every 5-6 days for a few weeks and yesterday I only got 3 ( I found 2 cold ones this morning so I think that the heat index has effected them and they chose to lay after the sun started setting) They started earlier than normal this morning and so far I still only have 5. Up until a week ago all of the eggs were laid between 10 and 1. I'm thinking it probably the change in heat and the change of seasons?!? I'm not very confident in the 26 hr laying process because of my own personal experiences. I'm thinking they lay when the are physically able...???

 

[MysTzN]

Not sure when she (Kiwi) stopped laying, maybe 3-4 days ago. Our other layer (Apple) has been consistent in laying an egg everyday. We figured we know which one it is, as Kiwi's egg is lighter in color then Apple's. Did not realize heat could effect them, although when Apple started laying, it was 100 degrees, now high 80s, low 90s. Although right now we have a wildfire that is burning, and now I'm wondering if that might be effecting them. Apple has had larger eggs, and a couple of double yolk eggs. Since we're new to chickens, we just guessed that they laid everyday. Our hens are spoiled I know that much, and more apart of the family then farm animal. We just wanted to know if normal or not. Thank you for any advice

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[donrae]

It's very normal for new layers to have an irregular schedule the first few months. Their systems are figuring out this whole production line thing and sometimes they just take a while off. They also do double yolk, no yolk, forget to put the shell on, shells with weird lumps and bumps and ridges, or weird shapes, or meat spots. These things are all normal to happen occasionally to a new layer.

 

[MysTzN]

Thank you so much Donrae. That would make sense, and it puts our mind's at ease.