Super Low Egg Production - What’s Wrong??

[BecKub]

My bad. I got the dimension wrong BUT 96 square feet is still recommended to house 24 birds.

If the nests, feed, water and anything else are in the coop the room those take up should be subtracted too.

Not judging...just stating what can affect production.

Yea I understand. The floor space is clear everything else is raised up so no need to subtract. I thought I read 2-3 sq feet per bird for the coop but who knows. I’ll change up some things we’ve been talking about and see if that helps. Sure hope so!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yea I understand. The floor space is clear everything else is raised up so no need to subtract. I thought I read 2-3 sq feet per bird for the coop but who knows. I’ll change up some things we’ve been talking about and see if that helps. Sure hope so!

Keep in mind that most will take the winter off. Come spring thing should be running full swing.

Last winter we had only older birds so it was an egg famine here. I added 6 in hopes of getting SOME eggs this winter.

 

[aart]

I thought I read 2-3 sq feet per bird for the coop but who knows.

I've read that too....and 4sqft...but....hard numbers don't really matter,
it's behaviors that count the most.
Winter time Chicken Cabin Fever due to crowding during bad winter weather can be Ugly. BTDT. I keep my population numbers lower now.

I'm guessing that some may well be laying out in range area,
but hard to lock them into coop and run with less than minimal space.
Fake eggs in all nests might help, a couple more nests might help too.
Getting rid of 10-20 birds would really help.

Your older birds may have stopped laying in preparation for molting,
some of your younger ones may not have started(don't recall seeing ages listed).
You could check them all:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Edingerfarm]

I haven't given my chickens vitamins. What kind do you recommend?

 

[Folly's place]

Chickens eating a good fresh balanced diet are getting vitamins, and don't need an overload.
Mary

 

[aart]

I haven't given my chickens vitamins. What kind do you recommend?

None, for regular use, because....

Chickens eating a good fresh balanced diet are getting vitamins, and don't need an overload.
Mary

I do keep Poultry Nutri Drench on hand for chicks and chickens that may be in distress.
It's the best because it is immediately absorbed.
Also have Sav-A-Chick electrolytes/vitamins for giving in moderation during temperature extremes.

 

[Edingerfarm]

I feed what they call Super Scratch at the local feed store. It contains, black sunflower seeds, peas,cracked corn,wheat seed and from what I can figure out, oyster shell. My chickens are free range also. I have had most of them 5 years and up and they aren't looking as healthy as they did a year or two ago. Also not laying as many eggs. I know this may not be the right thread but can you tell me how old a chicken is when it starts laying less? Then what do you do with them? I can't just kill them and replace, that seems cruel. I may be in the wrong hobby here. Softy.

 

[aart]

I feed what they call Super Scratch at the local feed store. It contains, black sunflower seeds, peas,cracked corn,wheat seed and from what I can figure out, oyster shell. My chickens are free range also. I have had most of them 5 years and up and they aren't looking as healthy as they did a year or two ago. Also not laying as many eggs. I know this may not be the right thread but can you tell me how old a chicken is when it starts laying less? Then what do you do with them? I can't just kill them and replace, that seems cruel. I may be in the wrong hobby here. Softy.

What's the protein percentage on that "Super Scratch"?
Should be a tag attached to bag with this info.
Is that the only feed they get?

If your birds are at least about 18 months old, the may be molting or close to it, they don't lay when they molt.
If your birds free range, they may be laying out in range area.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.