RIR not laying - when should I start worrying?

[BillMinor68]

I've got an 8-month old that has been regular as clockwork. Up until now, Red had laid 4-5 eggs a week. Now, nothing for over a week. She seems healthy, no change in behavior or activity, she looks good. I don't think it's disease or a molt coming on, and while I'm not sure what to feel for, she doesn't seem eggbound. It is hot, hovering around 100 for the last two weeks, and I did change the chooks food from homemade to store-bought organic feed (Coyote Creek - local to Austin). Could it be one of those two things, the heat or maybe a change in protein levels? Also, she's my first to quit laying, so I'm not sure when I need to start worrying.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

thanks,

Bill

 

[mglewis74]

West TN has been having those same hot temps as Austin and our Buff Orpingtons have just about quit laying altogether! Our four hens usually give us three eggs a day, but here lately we've only gotten a couple this week. I believe it is the heat as nothing else has changed in our feeding program. Bruce

 

[Mtn Cur]

I blame heat! I know mine have slowed down, because of this abnormaly hot summer.

 

[BillMinor68]

Worry's over and my 4 1/2 year old has proven she's smarter than I am. I spent the last several days combing the yard for secret laying spots; found nothing. Tonight, my daughter found a tiny (4-5 inch) crack that Red's been using to crawl under the coop. She (Red, not my daughter) dug herself a little nest and laid 7 eggs. I guess she's not bothered by the heat after all. . .