[bubs]

i have had chickens for nearly 18 months now and have never had the full allotment of eggs from them . i have presently got 17 hens and am averageing 10 eggs while my neighbour has got 12 hens from the same source and averages 11 a day ? the hens eat plenty of food get plenty of exercise although there is a problem with constant plucking in the shed will that stop them laying . only once have i had 16 eggs in a day and many times as little as 5 for the last 2 months we have been lucky if we get 10 in a day . although rats are around the shed i cannot find any evidence of them getting in the shed in the night but something is certainly costing me eggs.

[joyfull]

My hens eggs have declined this last few weeks (in fact only 1 today from 8 that are old enough to lay), the days are shorter and this plays a big part. Are you sure they are feather plucking and not starting to moult? If you have had them for 18 months then they are probably the right age for this and again this plays a big part.
What breed are they? some will lay 6 a week whereas others will lay just 3 or 4. Also your neighbours hens will also stop their laying before yours as they will have used up all their eggs (they are born with a predetermined amount of eggs).

[SMD66]

we have 17 hens, a variety of hybrids and a couple of pure breeds.  We are getting 12 a day, down from 14.  I know the white leghorn (who is moulting) is certainly not laying, she is the only one who lays a white egg.  Moulting will definately stop them laying for up to 8 weeks.  Plus the nights are drawing in.

[bubs]

there are 11 warrens and 6 amberlees , the amberlees are about 18 months 4 of the warrens are about 15 months and the remaining 7 are about 8 months . its probable that moulting has kicked in but its mostly feather plucking around the vent area and tails that at least 2 of the amberlees keep doing to the other hens .i guess the answer is too get rid of the pluckers if they are the cause.

[Alby]

My 6 Amberlinks ( ? ) sudenly gave me zero eggs !!! after being very prolific. Turned out to be Magpies stealing the eggs during the day 
      A new pophole seems to have sorted this although they have slowed down as the days get shorter

 Alby

[SMD66]

I would seperate the pluckers, yes.

[iwantanallotment]

Agreed, I would also temporarily separate the pluckers. But bear in mind that they'll have to be re-introduced sooner or later, if you do this. ie, don't make them strangers.

Any form of stress can prevent laying. Although they will lay less, now the days are shorter. Even so-called "laying hybrids" can sense that the days are short.

If all else is identical with your neighbour - breeds/age etc - I'd compare feeding. Too much can be as bad as too little.

But heavens....there was none of this fussing years ago, when we fed our hens as and when, and with whatever was going! We had a liberal supply of eggs and no ailments.

I do feel things have changed enormously since my family last kept fowl.

Saying all that - I'd be happy with 10 eggs from 17 birds at this time of year  

[wanty]

Ive had 5 hens for approx 12 weeks and got  16 eggs last week.

not sure ir thats good or bad..

[viettaclark]

Mine are dropping off too. I was getting 3 a day regularly. Now 2 of them have a break for 1 day about once a week. I don't mind...they've done me proud over the summer...especially Looby the White Star who hasn't missed a day since I got her! They deserve a rest....must be quite an effort laying an egg!

[pennsylvania planters]

My six girls have been laying around 3-4 each day. Today  i got 6  .
It feels like Christmas day, I'm so chuffed.

[Flowerpower136]

Mine are still going strong, but they haven't quite got the hang of the shorter days yet.  Keep finding the odd one locked out by the auto door shutter.

Anyday now, I'm expecting a mass moult and a lot less eggs.  Think its normal for the time of year.

[richyrich7]

1st you have to realise that egg production is directly linked to day length as the days shorten it's normal for egg production to slow.
At 18 months old I guess they are going to go through their 1st proper moult.
You say they have plenty of food, but what do they eat. ?
To be honest to get the best out of hens they need nothing other than layers mash/pellets and a handful of mixed grain late in the day. Anything else is unnecessary IMHO
I assume they have access to grit and oyster shell ?

[IMOmimey]

nobody has mentioned that dreaded swear-word...MITE, check your roosting perch after dark for red mite(just wipe the underside of their perch with a white tissue) mite and/or worm infestation can cause decreased egg-production, and can even be fatal if left unchecked.
my 29 girlies managed only 7 eggs today, and there are probably as many feathers as leaves in the garden,

[bexy]

My 5 ladies have been laying 5 a day just about since i had them from May this year,the odd day there was 4 and one day there was 6!!!
The day before last there was 4 eggs,yesterday there was 3 eggs and today i thought there wouldn't be any after yesterdays stormy weather....there was 5 and one was huge and i mean HUGE,double the normal size!!!!
My son (the egg lover)has just eaten it with his dinner,the white was normal but the yoke was massive