What's the dang deal....no eggs for weeks

[1acrefarm]

It is just the time of year. I am only getting 1-2 eggs a day from 6 18 month old hens. That is using supplemental light. Luckily I am getting a consistent 2 duck eggs a day from 4 female ducks. If it were not for the ducks I would be buying eggs. I did go through a 3 week period with only two eggs.

 

[eggzettera]

I understand slowing down but my EE has not laid one on what is going on over a month now. Not ONE and she was laying pretty consistently there for a while.....

 

[Jillylam]

My Ameraucanas are going through a major molt and have not layed in about 4 weeks but the RI Reds are going along as usual - no major molting and still laying. I've been buying eggs again too.

 

[Omeletta]

Hey, Nadine! Nice to touch base with an ex-eskimo! No snow here yet... we are near Calgary...but my mom north of Grande Prairie has over a foot! Been shovelling for a few weeks! We really need moisture here, been cracked and dry since July!

About the eggs, I am resigned to them just being cute aliens! Maybe, someday, we will get some eggs...

Tanya

 

[eggzettera]

Hi Tanya, I was a flagger on the highway I think 43? between Grand Prairie & Valleyview. This is back in the early 80's in the summer, just loved the long days. In fact my best freind ever was born there and I believe has since moved back there. So Flames or Oilers? Kidding no sense provoking a fight.....

 

[jjthink]

The shorter days will slow down or stop egg laying. This is nature's way of helping them rest as their bodies need to recuperate from the constant churning out of eggs. Artifically adding more hours of light can increase egg production but harm your birds. I had a hen - Betty - whose body never did take a break even with the shorter days and she became an internal layer and suffered a great deal while I tried and tried various medical interventions to help her. She did not make it. I am grateful the hen I have now is not laying because I am hoping this means her body is taking the necessary rest and that she will be healthier and live longer for it. I bought free range eggs in the store this week and assume I will be doing that till at least the spring. JJ