Where are the eggs? Gone,..Missing! :(

[loverOFchickens]

Are they eating thier eggs?

 

[KattyKillFish]

Quote:
probably not, mine free-range all the time and i still get an egg from each a day. but as i and other said before it's likely that one (or two?) may be trying to go broody? also, don't count out the "hidden community nest"

since you are new, i guess i could put in that when i hen is starting to go broody it can stop laying eggs for a bit, not too long though.

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Quote:
I honestly think the free ranging thing is likely the problem. They are only 1 yr old and they have never stopped completly laying since they started. This last week is the only time they have ever free ranged.Since they have been getting out they havent been eating their mash, so I agree with you, it cut the production down. Or maybe they are all just taking a break and be it well deserved, but they are back in their lot and house not to get out until we figure what the problem is.

 

[Spires6]

Free range doesn't seem to affect our hens laying patterns. Age might. When our eggs are down they are usually hiding them in the barn.

 

[Suess hens]

What about your weather? I notice that with the Spring weather coming in, and the winter not wanting to leave, that I get days where they seem confussed by what is going on. I will get 5 a day for 5 days, then all of a sudden 2 one day, 3 another, 1, then back up to normal. Did you just get a string of nice weather and cold nights?

 

[Up-the-Creek]

The weather has been warm for a few days then blistering cold,..back and forth. They are all locked up today and so far again,.... no eggs.

They do have some feather loss, but I think it is from the rooster treading. I am just stumped at this point. Next thing I know they will be making picket signs!

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Update,...1 egg today out of 10 hens. Hmmmmmmmm.

 

[KattyKillFish]

Quote:
there is your problem. they must be stressed out from the weather. try giving them some nice treats & some extra oyster shell. that might help them relax a little. also, could you have an egg-eater? do you live in an area with snakes? also, i have caught ravens going into my coop through the chicken's little door and popping out with an egg, not even harming the baby chicks or adult chickens... any clues about predators?

 

[KattyKillFish]

HEY i just read that you're from southern West-Virginia! my boyfriend is from Princeton! (also, he tells me there are snakes?)

 

[HennyPennies2007]

weather does it for my hennies in the worst way... We have been having 80 degrees one day....and an ice storm the next....then 80s then 60s... I think they have issues with it....but mine aren't as extreme in their strike. Usually get 16-18 and weather fluctuations take me down to 10-12...I also go out and lecture