SUDDEN DROP IN EGG PRODUCTION,FL.

[Righteous Rstr]

My girls are spoiled for sure they get layer pellets daily,about two scoops for 17 big hens.
Over the last ten days egg production has dwindled to one in two days! I have 140 eggs in
the bator but my goal is to hatch and raise at least 75 by September. A friend suggested
a two day stay in a totally dark area providing only water,he assures me this will kick-in
egg laying. Bear in mind most of these are first year birds. ALSO, looking for adolescent
Chinese geese in or near central Florida. RR

 

[SunnySkies]

Mine stopped....but it was suddenly extremely hot here, so I expected a drop in production as a result. Did you have a sudden heat wave?

 

[Righteous Rstr]

No more or less than normal for Fl. My coop is chain link with a shiny metal roof, plenty of breeze? You?
RR

 

[SunnySkies]

Mine free range on 7 acres. But it was so hot here the birds were sitting in the shade panting.

 

[Righteous Rstr]

Trying to keep my eyes open ,talk tomorrow?? RR

 

[Den in Penn]

Never heard that total darkness would kick start laying Do know that a change in the lenght of day will start the molting process, which after they grow the new feathers they will then proceed resume laying. Molting can take a month or two to go through, hardly a quick fix. I would look for egg loss by something taking eggs or hidden nests. It may have been caused by a visit by a predator that stressed them.

 

[Righteous Rstr]

SUNNY SKIES, egg strike must be weather. Verified with two others nobody's laying.
Oh well ,still have 120 or so in bator , my hatch rates are getting better .This lull will
give me time to build a mini pen on my back porch, got the stuff to seal it tight and still
have 2 walls double screened. Wire for critters, vinyl mosquito screen for insect ,snakes
with airflow and shade.yay happy chickens ! RR

 

[Righteous Rstr]

DEN IN PEN, can pretty much forget predators I am all over that, as far as hidden nests very unlikely
in this case as this batch is new and very needy. They have 35 acres to forage so where are they?
Either at my feet or trying to invade my kitchen where the feed is . The Geese got by the dog asleep
on the job, they can easily reach into the bags judging by the crap it's safe to say they went on an all
night bender !! Goose poop on every square foot of my kitchen .As nasty as it was ,I chuckle every
time I think of it. RR