I f you have noticed the difference in number of eggs your chickens are laying these days, you should definitely first check if your flock is not suffering of some disease, as this is the main reason for depressed egg production.
However, there are a few more situations when this can be a case. So, if you are sure that they are perfectly sound, then think take into consideration few more things that can influence to the number of eggs you get from your flock.
First of all, don’t forget that chickens are sensitive to day length, and the day length is in the direct relationship with the amount of laid eggs. That’s why this amount is usually smaller during the last months of summer and during the winter, as in these months day length is evidently shorter. However, this doesn’t have to be particular problem, as you can always prolong the day light by using the artificial lightening, just take care not to exaggerate with it, and have in mind the length of the longest natural day in the year. This should be the limit.
We have already mentioned how important is for your flock the proper nutrition and that it is directly influencing to the number of eggs you are getting from your chickens. As every egg contains certain amount of proteins and energy, they should be consumed first, in order to get laid later. The other important thing is calcium. It is calculated that every egg contains at least 2 grams of it, which also has to be consumed by the food we are giving to our chickens flock.
Some of the breeds stop with laying eggs, when there are more eggs in the nest, as they become broody if they are allowed to accumulate the eggs in the nest. To avoid this situation it is advised to collect eggs regularly and on time.
The last two reasons for depressed egg productions unfortunately we cannot influence and control, as it is about the natural process that is happening with most of animals especially poultry. The first one is the molting and the other one is the age of the chicken. In both cases, when they are changing their feathers, as well as while getting older, chickens loses its ability to lay eggs actively. However, in the case of molting this is just temporary, usually at the end of the summer, or in the beginning of autumn, but unfortunately in the other case, as the chickens are getting older, this ability is in constant fall.
