Recent loss in egg production.

[aart]

I have 8 hens, aging 16-22 weeks. I was getting four eggs/day and now only 1 the last couple days. I've looked them over, they don't seem to have any illnesses, lice or mites. I've been feeding them an all flock feed (we have ducks and turkeys too) and they also free range. I just looked at the nutritional information and it only has 1.9 percent of calcium. Could this be the reason for loss in egg production? Would giving them oyster shells help? Thank you!

Lack of calcium won't slow production as much as make for maybe thin shells and problems expelling egg(calcium needed for contractions). So add some oyster shells in a separate container, might have to sprinkle a dozen or so pieces on top of feed for a few days to get them started.

Biggest thing may be the free ranging:
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 3-4 days (or longer) 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 24/7 for a few days to a week, 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.