Why the drop in egg production?

[vixchix]

I have 8 hens (barred rocks, leghorns, reds) who are just a bit over 2 years old. For the past 3 or 4 months, they've only been producing one or two eggs a day. I'm not concerned about getting eggs. I'm worried about their general health. They seem fine and happy. Any suggestions?

 

[ChickenToes]

Has it been really hot outside where you live? That could be one cause.

The other possible cause I can think of is that your girls are getting to be a bit old. Egg production drops off as the birds age.

 

[vixchix]

They're only 2 years old!!! Does it really taper off so quickly? It hasn't been THAT hot.
Think I should stop worrying?

 

[Beekissed]

Do they seem to be missing a few feathers here and there? They could be molting...its time for it, and the egg production does drop during this time. Two years old is about the time some folks cull their flock, as they can slow down a little after that point. Not usually abruptly, but they can get more sporadic on their laying. Some hens don't slow down for 3-4 years, just depends on the breed and the individual chicken, I guess.

 

[karrie]

My hens are 1 1/2 & 2 1/2 years old. The egg production has drastically gone down in the last 2 months for me too. Nothing has changed, & the weather is a bit cooler in my part of Texas, so I don't think it's the heat. I just need to accept that my girls are getting old!