Author Topic: Laying less (Read 2330 times)

Ben94 · « **on:** April 28, 2016, 08:33:50 pm »

I have 28 hens all have been laying fine 26+eggs a day. But last week I've been getting 20-23 a day. What could be causing this?
It's been about 2-5 degrees at night recently too.

Their cleaned out every week disinfected every 2 weeks.

Wormed a few weeks ago

Clean water every day

House is moved to fresh ground every 1-2 days

Fed on layers pellets and haven't changed there food

All birds look health and alert

What's causing this?

Louise Gaunt · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2016, 10:35:02 pm »

IT may be due to colder weather, or is there a chance the eggs are being taken by rats, crows, squirrels etc?

doganjo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2016, 10:37:05 pm »

Red mites? check the coop. Could be rats too - I lose eggs regularly and I've seen a rat

Stereo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2016, 12:00:55 pm »

Rats can carry off eggs but in my experience will most often eat them in situ so you'll find half a shell with nothing in it. If the eggs are being taken away I would suspect crows or magpies. Check surrounding fields if you can for shells.

Jukes Mum · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2016, 12:11:53 pm »

Quote

It's been about 2-5 degrees at night recently too.

This.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2016, 02:39:13 pm »

Could depend on breed. We keep mostly native breeds and have seen no dip in production, despite snow three days this week and several overnight frosts.