Why are they not laying as many eggs?

[natyvidal]

My girls were laying 13-16 eggs a day. Now they are laying less than 10. Some of them have stopped completely or becoming broody. I really don’t want any chicks from mixed heritage breeds so I keep collecting the few eggs. I also have fake eggs which I am substituting with the real I es for the sake of the broodies.

Is it the heat?
They are not moulting.
There are no changes in their diets.

Thank you ahead of time for your advice.

 

[Pork Pie]

Extreme heat can reduce production.

 

[sourland]

How old are they ? They may just have reached a break in their laying cycle. Of course the broody hens are no longer laying.

 

[Chickassan]

If the age is right molting may be starting.
Some of mine are starting, it is early but it is happening. At least they won't freeze like last year.

 

[ChickNanny13]

All of the above

 

[natyvidal]

Thank you! I believe it might be the heat. We live in Dade City, Fl. And it’s hot, hot, hot!

Otherwise they seem very healthy so it must be that. Thank you again.

 

[natyvidal]

They are only 8 months old. Still young.

 

[Chickassan]

They'll have a mini molt soon then, not the full shabang but just a teeny one.

They are only 8 months old. Still young.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

also have fake eggs which I am substituting with the real I es for the sake of the broodies.

Don't let the broodies stay broody if they aren't going to hatch eggs. You'll need to break them. I just learned that when I recently had 2 go broody.

 

[jas humbert]

It's your choice whether to try to break the broodies. You don't absolutely "need" to. In addition to my big girls I have a bunch of silkies which means generally at least one is broody. I honestly don't worry about it much. I collect eggs daily. My broodies seem to get out often enough to eat and drink and stay healthy. They give up after 4-6 weeks usually and all summer I've got a ready broody if i want to pick up chicks at the farm store or order special eggs. It does cut into egg production which may be a concern for some, so I can see doing it either way.