Hey all!
I have 8 hens, less than 2 years old, raised from chicks. Last summer, I averaged 7-8 eggs per day once they started laying. When winter hit, that dropped to about 5 per day. It never picked up again after winter and now, I'm lucky to get 3 eggs a day.
This week, I've gotten 1 egg per day for 8 hens. I have to start buying eggs because 8 hens don't produce. If this keeps up, they're all going to the freezer and I may or may not start over. I was thinking of taking one or two for the grill and see how the others react.
Now, the specifics
They have access to lay crumble and oyster/egg shell calcium all they want.
They get plenty of fruits/veggies/greens/yogurt and have frequent access to the whole yard to scrounge for bugs and grass.
The coop is dry and comfy.
They have no mites or other issues.
Fresh water every day during the hot months.
No diet changes since they were pullets.
All are and have been healthy and active.
Any thoughts?
I have 8 hens, less than 2 years old, raised from chicks. Last summer, I averaged 7-8 eggs per day once they started laying. When winter hit, that dropped to about 5 per day. It never picked up again after winter and now, I'm lucky to get 3 eggs a day.
This week, I've gotten 1 egg per day for 8 hens. I have to start buying eggs because 8 hens don't produce. If this keeps up, they're all going to the freezer and I may or may not start over. I was thinking of taking one or two for the grill and see how the others react.
Now, the specifics
They have access to lay crumble and oyster/egg shell calcium all they want.
They get plenty of fruits/veggies/greens/yogurt and have frequent access to the whole yard to scrounge for bugs and grass.
The coop is dry and comfy.
They have no mites or other issues.
Fresh water every day during the hot months.
No diet changes since they were pullets.
All are and have been healthy and active.
Any thoughts?