Slowed Egg Production

[swingboy3]

We have two two year old RIR, three two year old NHR and ten one year old Sagittas. We also have a Silkie rooster. This winter we were up to about 12 eggs a day. It was great. Then just after Christmas it dropped to 3-6 per day. The older five molted last fall and the younger ten don't appear to be in a molt. I've tried adding Cayenne to their food and water. I've also separated the rooster because he was making all of my hens bald and probably stressing them out. We are to about 6 a day now but they still are sluggish. The days are long and warm. They are free ranging a few hours a day. Any ideas why they aren't up to at least 10 a day?

Just a couple of thoughts I have. I think the Saggitas are lagging in the production, and they are not talked about a lot. I think they are going to end up in my freezer soon if I don't see some eggs soon.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

When you say your Sagittas are one year old do you mean they are twelve months in age or they have been laying for one year?

If they have been laying for one year then it is getting to be time for them to molt so they will naturally slow down in their rate of lay as they grow in their new feathers.

Your other birds are old enough that once the spring flush has passed (as it is doing now) they are also going to slow down their rate of lay. Possibly even stop laying altogether.

 

[PSJ]

How long has your rooster been out?

 

[swingboy3]

We took him out for about two weeks. Short I know but he will be getting a new home soon. We let him back by accident yesterday and the hens seem to be holding their own against him now. We will see

 

[PSJ]

If he's only been out 2 weeks, the slowed egg production could be due to the fact that the pecking order has changed and caused stress. Add some ACV to their water.

 

[swingboy3]

This last week the egg production is hitting max again. Soon it should be regular I hope. The last few days have been 3,7,4,11. I'm really excited about the 11. I think another week and we will be up to a dozen a day again.
I think it was just a molt process. I'm just surprised it lasted from January to May. I am also going to install some florescent lights in my coop this fall. Last winter I just had a lonely incandescent and I don't think it was bright enough to keep them laying.