not getting any more eggs!!!Why??

[dawn_pomerleau]

Im new to this site so I want to thank everyone for their help. I have 6 silkie bantam hens and one roo all are just over a year old. I had been averaging 4 eggs a day, until about a month ago and all has stopped. Only one hen is broody right now. When this all started I had gotten one very thin egg, then about two weeks ago I got another thin egg. They are being fed layer pellets, an occasional cup of scratch, some garden scraps and they free range also. I started to give oyster shell too when I saw the first thin egg. The girls are all happy and talkative and come running to me when they see me, so can anyone tell me what s up with egg production?? Thanks in advance

 

[twhudson]

Do you have lights in the coop? As we have less and less daylight you have to supply extra light. They need 14 hours of light a day or so.

 

[dawn_pomerleau]

No, I don't have a light, I will have to set one up and see if that helps. Thanks

 

[twhudson]

It doesn't have to real bright. I have an 8x14 coop and I use one 50 watt bulb. I usually have it come on at 5pm and it goes off at 10pm. It's on a timer.

 

[dawn_pomerleau]

Great idea, I never thought of a timer. Im still new to the chicken world so all the help is great. Thanks

 

[Jennym]

I use a night light and keep in on all the time 24/7.

 

[Gloria]

This might be a dumb question, but do silkie bantams molt? Maybe that's what's happening too. BTW

Dawn! Glad you could join us!

 

[dawn_pomerleau]

Yes they do molt, one was molting last month, and this morning I found a ton of white feathers in the coop from my only white silkie, so I guess that could be it too. They are all the same age.

 

[MissPrissy]

It is normal to stop laying eggs when molting. I would not add light to the coop at this point. It will stress them.