New to the Egg Collection

[Marinefam2053]

So, I know that here in Florida we have very bipolar weather. Is this some thing that would affect the daily egg production? Since about mid to late January my 8 chickens have been giving me about 6-8 eggs a day. I’m good with that, and if it’s less, ok... however, we have had some weeks that the weather was very cool, then would warm a little (I loved it and so did my girls). Now that we have had temps reaching the mid to upper 80’s and at times low 90’s I’ve noticed a significant drop in production. At most now in the last 2 weeks, I’ve gotten 5 eggs and sometimes less. I’ve also noticed more feather plucking. (Trying to increase protein just a little).
I’ve added another feeder and waterer to their yard. They have a little more than half of my back yard to themselves that they can roam on.
Is there something else I should do? I’m cool if this is just a phase, I just want to make sure that I don’t need to look for something abnormal. Is this possible that it’s stress related (weather temps??)?

 

[aart]

Heat can effect laying for sure...stress and re-appropriation of water consumption.

If you free range they may be laying somewhere cooler than coop out in the range area.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.


Not so hot here, yet, but.....
I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[Marinefam2053]

Heat can effect laying for sure...stress and re-appropriation of water consumption.

If you free range they may be laying somewhere cooler than coop out in the range area.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.


Not so hot here, yet, but.....
I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

Thank you for all of this information...
I was wondering if I was going to need to provide some ice/water for their feet. I’ll get started with that this week.
As for confining them in their coop/run... I don’t know that I could confine them for more than half the day because of space. For my 8 girls, the combined coop/run is 4X8, actual coop 4X4. (We have the plans for a larger coop build. (I really want 4 girls, but I can’t just because of the space limitations).
Thank you again so much