small chicken eggs, please help!

[nanc0143]

I have only three chickens for pets and eggs. Two Rhode Isle Reds and one barred rock.
The problem I am having is they are laying small eggs. They are over a year old and the eggs aren't getting any larger.
A friend of ours told us that he had Rhode Isle Reds and they were large eggs.
Am I doing something wrong or what is happening?
The chickens are getting the best lay pellets and fresh water all the time. They are on the range all day until I lock them in at dusk.
What is the problem, does anyone know?
Your help is greatly appreciated.
nanc1430

 

[LilbitChicken]

Hello, I am still new to chickens....I have only had mine for a week!

But I am curious as to what others have to say.. have you read any info about egg production?
Do they get oyster shell with their food?

 

[Agape Builder]

This might sound like a stupid question, but how large are your birds? Rhode Island Reds (and I think Barred Rocks, but not sure on those) come in both standard full sized birds and smaller bantam versions. The bantam versions are going to lay a smaller egg than the full sized versions.

Remember, a RIR is a big meaty bird and I am guessing that your birds should be at least a good 6-8 pounds already. If they are only 3-5, then you have bantams and you will always get smaller eggs.

 

[meme9726]

Did they just begin laying? First time layers will begin with small eggs but they will get larger if this is the case.