Not many eggs

[IndianaGreg]

I have 21 BO hens and in the past week we have seen a great reduction of eggs! Nothing has changed but the temperature not sure if that is the cause. Any ideas? Have not changed their feed or water or times I feed and water. I don't get it. Went from 17-18 eggs a day to now only 4-5. Any suggestions would be of help.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Weather can impact production.
Disturbances also impact production-subtle changes in flock dynamics, predator lurking at night, etc.

 

[Christina.Rich]

I have 21 BO hens and in the past week we have seen a great reduction of eggs! Nothing has changed but the temperature not sure if that is the cause. Any ideas? Have not changed their feed or water or times I feed and water. I don't get it. Went from 17-18 eggs a day to now only 4-5. Any suggestions would be of help.

How long have you been getting only 4-5 eggs a day?

 

[IndianaGreg]

How long have you been getting only 4-5 eggs a day?

Right at a week now... Also, the eggs seem to be getting lighter in color...

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How old are they?

 

[IndianaGreg]

How old are they?

I have 6 that turned 1 this last April and the remaining 15 will be 1 first week of July...

 

[aart]

Do you free range?

 

[IndianaGreg]

Do you free range?

Yes, and I have also been wondering why the color of the eggs have been getting lighter in the last month or so...

 

[aart]

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.

It's normal for egg color to fade as the season progresses.