[stevek]

Hi
Ive kept poultry for 20years. I currently have 9 Black Rock Hens and 3 White Sussex hens whoose age range from 2 to 4 years old. Usually they are in full lay by late March early April. However, this year I am only getting 3 to 4 eggs per day from the 12 birds. All the birds are healthy and are not in the moult, none are broody either. As I have not changed their feed (layers pellets) or their accomadation I am at a loss to explain the situation. Everything is as it has been over the years. Is anyone having the same problem or is it just me? Any answers or explanations would be appreciated. Can someone put me out of my misery?
Stevek

[pushrod]

sorry can't really help, my birds are buff orps and are younger. They came into lay a little later than i expected but have been producing about 4 or 5 eggs/bird/week since mid february.
 I did have some older marans which had never been particularly good layers and they did not start the year well so they went to the local auction in feb.

[chicksforkicks]

WEll by the sound of it, i think your chickens are just getting older.  :roll: When a flock ages just get a few more chicks and add on.
I add on to my flock every 6 months or so to keep them yyoung. Where i am(Louisiana) my chickens have  been in full lay since febuary because we only get a freezing temperature 4-5 nights every year

[Bodger]

Hi Steve.
As you probably know, when a bird is in lay the gap between the pin bones near to the vent widen appreciably. In birds that are not laying, that gap is very small indeed. As they pass eggs the gap is stretched and remains broad throughout the laying season, so the first thing I'd do is check the birds out.
If they are not in lay, I wouldn't wory too much but if on the other hand they look and feel as though they should be laying, I'd keep an eye open for them for egg eating or possibly theft of the eggs by rats crows or magpies.

[stevek]

Hi Steve.
As you probably know, when a bird is in lay the gap between the pin bones near to the vent widen appreciably. In birds that are not laying, that gap is very small indeed. As they pass eggs the gap is stretched and remains broad throughout the laying season, so the first thing I'd do is check the birds out.
If they are not in lay, I wouldn't wory too much but if on the other hand they look and feel as though they should be laying, I'd keep an eye open for them for egg eating or possibly theft of the eggs by rats crows or magpies.
/quote Thanks Bodger. Gap between pin bones approx 2 to 3 fingers width, looks like having to keep an eye out for Rats as all laying boxes are housed and there's no sign of egg eating. Problem is its not just my birds. Quite a number of keepers on our allotments are in the same boat. Will have to hang in there and just blame our problem on global warming as it seems to get the blame for everthing else.
Once again thanks for the reply.
Stevek