The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Ben94 on April 28, 2016, 08:33:50 pm

Title: Laying less
Post by: 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?

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: Louise Gaunt 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?

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: doganjo 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

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: Stereo 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.

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: Jukes Mum on April 29, 2016, 12:11:53 pm

Quote

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

This.

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: Marches Farmer 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.

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: darkbrowneggs on May 07, 2016, 09:41:44 pm

Are any of them laying away - its the time of year for birds to want to steal a nest

Title: Re: Laying less
Post by: Sam92 on May 10, 2016, 10:01:31 pm

If the weathers cold try some cayenne pepper add a little to their feed mixed in they'll be laying again in no time  :thumbsup: