Significant Change in Production

[Jess W]

We have 6 ladies (1.5 years old) who have consistently been providing us with 5-6 eggs/day for close to a year. Within the last 3 weeks, they are down to just 1-2 eggs/day. There has been no change in nutrition or any other routine. I understand there is less daylight, but even last winter we consistently were getting 3-4 eggs/day. Thoughts on why the decrease in production?

 

[Firsttimehens1234]

We have 6 ladies (1.5 years old) who have consistently been providing us with 5-6 eggs/day for close to a year. Within the last 3 weeks, they are down to just 1-2 eggs/day. There has been no change in nutrition or any other routine. I understand there is less daylight, but even last winter we consistently were getting 3-4 eggs/day. Thoughts on why the decrease in production?

They are going on their winter break, it’s completely normal and nothing to worry about, they will start again when winter is over

 

[tlcmurphy]

Production drops as they days get shorter beginning in their second year. I’m getting 0 eggs from 3 girls now

 

[SourRoses]

First year hens often lay through the winter, second year hens decrease production as the daylight diminishes. They will pick up again in spring. Alternatively, low level lighting for a few extra hours in the coop can help , but it's a complicated hormonal thing that takes a while to have an effect and is usually started before the daylight shortens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's their age. If they haven't already molted then they will soon, and around that time they'll either stop laying or lay at very reduced amounts (which you're already seeing).

If you need consistent egg production you'll need to stagger the ages of your flock and add new birds each year or every other year. Eggs are a seasonal food otherwise.

 

[aart]

It's their age. If they haven't already molted then they will soon, and around that time they'll either stop laying or lay at very reduced amounts (which you're already seeing).

If you need consistent egg production you'll need to stagger the ages of your flock and add new birds each year or every other year. Eggs are a seasonal food otherwise.

Ditto Dat!!

If you want to add supplemental lighting for getting production back up sooner, wait until they are done molting maybe mid to late December...they really do need to molt and rest.

 

[Jess W]

Thanks all! This makes sense now that i understand how their age comes into play and they are definitely molting at this time. I will relax and let them do the same