No Eggs!

[Bluebellthebluebell]

I have five hens 2 and a half years old. Two chestnut rangers, 1 goldline, 1 speckeldy and a bluebell. We are averaging about one egg a day and can’t work out why. They are healthy, free ranging , not moulting or broody, diet of layers pellets and some veggie kitchen scraps. Coop and run are clean and mite free and in every way they are happy hens. Any thoughts on increasing egg production gratefully received. Thank you

 

[nuthatched]

If they're free ranging, the could have a hidden nest, don't let them out of the coop until later in morning to insure they lay there. Try feeding a higher protein feed like flock raiser or chick starter.

 

[Bluebellthebluebell]

If they're free ranging, the could have a hidden nest, don't let them out of the coop until later in morning to insure they lay there. Try feeding a higher protein feed like flock raiser or chick starter.

Thanks for that. I haven’t found a nest and they were kept in for a few days last week but no change. Someone has suggested I shut them up in the dark for 24 hours with food, water and ventilation. I’ll try the high protein feed - thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're in the northern hemisphere, days are shortening and chickens are preparing to molt, whether they've begun or not. So that would coincide with fewer eggs.

 

[Teresa D]

So today is the first day that I have 0 eggs. It has been very hot and wondering if that can cause the girls to not lay eggs? Do all chickens molt and at what age and season?

 

[rosemarythyme]

So today is the first day that I have 0 eggs. It has been very hot and wondering if that can cause the girls to not lay eggs? Do all chickens molt and at what age and season?

Yes heat can stop/slow laying.

Chickens molt after their first year (like 18 months old+) and generally in the fall, though some can molt as early as summer and some as late as mid-winter.

 

[Teresa D]

Yes heat can stop/slow laying.

Chickens molt after their first year (like 18 months old+) and generally in the fall, though some can molt as early as summer and some as late as mid-winter.

Thank you. My girls were a year old in May so they are 15 months old . It has been extremely hot here.

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

Are there any opportunities for egg thieves? Not uncommon for light fingered rodents to steal eggs..

 

[Teresa D]

Today had 6 eggs. So now I’m wondering if I had a brain fart and already gathered the eggs.

 

[Teresa D]

Today had 6 eggs. So now I’m wondering if I had a brain fart and already gathered the eggs.