Stef23 Posted November 4, 2018 Share Posted November 4, 2018 Hi We have 9 hens and 1 cockerel in a very large run in our Allotment site. Up until a few months ago they produced 4 or 5 eggs a day, however we now get 1 or 2 max and sometimes none. We haven't changed anything and feed them on layers pellets, corn and green allotment produce. Only one chicken seems to be moulting at the moment. The youngest chicken is two and the oldest probably 4 or 5. We have a mixed flock. We cannot understand why there has been such a dramatic reduction of egg production, and would really welcome any ideas or suggestions on how to improve the situation. many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 4, 2018 Share Posted November 4, 2018 What sort of chickens are they? Unless they’re specifically egg laying hybrids most chickens will stop laying as the days get really short. Even most hybrids will do this after their first couple of years. Totally normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef23 Posted November 6, 2018 Author Share Posted November 6, 2018 Thanks for responding. We have 3 brown hybrids and then the mixed bunch. Sussex, Speckled, Bluebell, etc. We are a bit worried as they slowed down during the longer days of sunlight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 It’s normal for them to slow down as they age. That’s why even producers of free range eggs replace their girls after 18 months to 2 years. Eventually they will stop altogether and you’ll be left with free loading pensioners. Like mine...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 And mine,13 chickens and lucky to get 2 a day 🙄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 The others are right, the decline in daylight hours will mean that they eat less, triggering moulting and less eggs. When did you last worm them, and what with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Well, to my surprise I’ve got the opposite problem! I thought my lot were either too old to lay or had stopped for the winter. I just found a cache of a dozen eggs that Miss Dilly had hidden away and was planning to sneakily sit on! So is it worth you checking for hidden eggs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
