No more eggs. Heat wave???

[P-Funk]

I'm used to averaging 4 eggs a day from 5 layers (1 year olds). That's even during the winter. Since the temperatures have been hitting 90+ I'm lucky to get 1 a day. I thought the long summer days were supposed to spawn egg production? I've been turning the light on in the coop during the day even though they have a skylight. Also I added some "omega egg maker" stuff to the pellets. Still no luck...

 

[goldfinches]

Yep, I think it's the heat. Mine went from about 16 a day to 4-5 a day.

 

[P-Funk]

Thanks, Gold. There were actually 2 eggs yesterday but it's going to be triple digits again today. And tomorrow, and Sunday......

 

[chickenbyddozn]

I have 43 layers and have been getting between 9-15 eggs a day
Normally I would get over 35

 

[donrae]

A light, in the coop, during the day? This is concerning to me, for a few reasons. First, is that adding additional heat? But more importantly, do you have windows and adequate ventillation? If you have enough holes in the walls of your coop for good air flow, it will be light enough in your coop. A skylight doesn't do anything for air circulation.

In your avatar, your birds appear to be loose in the yard. If this is normal, have you looked for nests?

 

[P-Funk]

So what do we do? Put ice in their water? Bring them in the house? It's actually cooler in the barn than the house right now but I broke down and turned on the A/C.

 

[P-Funk]

The 'coop' is actually a converted stall in the barn. There is plenty of ventilation and the light on the 20' ceiling produces absolutely no heat. Yes, I kicked a horse out and fenced in the run so they can go out and play. And yes they free range every evening. Now they won't even leave the coop 'cause it's so incredibly hot out.

 

[chickenbyddozn]

Your chickens sound spoiled (in a good way ) Mine aren't laying either. I haven't given them ice but I have given them fresh water every day. Its about 20 degrees cooler today and I had 9 eggs already by noon... (Yes I stalk my girls) I am hoping for a better day by evening.

 

[P-Funk]

Donrae here are some coop pics. It never gets above 85 in the barn so I was just concerned the girls were getting old at 1 year. The babies (4 months) won't go out either. In fact the horses hide in there all day lately. The puppy, kitties, and budgies are all hiding inside right now. Welcome to Colorado @ 7000'.

 

[donrae]

Okay, way nice set up! I was just a little scared from your first description, but you're all good coop-wise. Better than me, in fact!