why do some hens slow their egg laying?

[chkinut]

i have 6 hens and only 2 and a half are laying. i say a "half" cuz my EE use to lay about 5 eggs a week. now she only lays 2 eggs a week. so out of my 6 girls:

2 - moulting (they have an excuse)
1 - not laying (no excuse) she's a 7 month old SS and WAS laying but now has stopped and she's NOT moulting....no feathers seen ANYWHERE.
2 - laying quite well
1 - EE - slowed to 2 eggs a week

i understand hens stop laying when they moult. but why would my SS stop laying and why is my EE only laying 2 a week? btw, my EE use to lay a light sage green egg, and now they're almost white....i know this means that she is nearing the end of her cycle...do you think that's why she's only laying 2 a week? i thought they would lay like normal, and then stop when they moult. i didn't think they would slow down. also, why the heck isn't my SS laying? also, all my girls are fairly young. the oldest 2 are only a year a half old.

 

[chicmom]

Decreased daylight hours can affect laying. I know here in Ohio, it's already starting to get darker earlier. Is it getting dark earlier your way?

Sharon

 

[ChickiKat]

there is always a chance of having an egg eater.

 

[chkinut]

i guess a little.....maybe that's it. btw, i'm originally from Ohio! i moved around from Kettering to Hillsboro Ohio as a kid.

 

[elmo]

Stress can also be a factor. Are the "loafers" low on the pecking order?

 

[chkinut]

Quote:
you're so right! i've been kinda thinkin that...and kinda looking for signs, but i haven't seen any yolk on beaks or messy nests....but i will look harder.

 

[chkinut]

Quote:
yes, my SS can be mean, but she's low on the totem pole.