Egg production in hot weather

[vicky]

My girls have gone from laying 5 per day (6 chickens) to 2/3 per day. Do you think it's the hot weather? I can't think of anything else that's different?

[Glutton4...]

Mine did that just after I had put the price of my eggs up! This week they've gone into overdrive - I had eighteen yesterday and again today. I may have to start baking CAKES!!!!!

[gillian62]

Fortunately, the area my chickens are in gets shading from trees, which are now in full leaf, so it is quite cool for them. But a friend of ours has said that the hot weather has affected his chickens.

[Suechooks]

Mine are down a bit too - was getting 8-10 but the last couple of weeks it's been 6-9. However 4 of them are ex-batts out for 9 months so are due a rest, 4 were POL this time last year so also due a rest! One is nearly 6 years old and lays about 3 a week in the summer. Of the other 2, 1 hasn't laid for months and the other lays daily.

[Glutton4...]

Mine have a bank of mature Leyland Cypress (YUCK!) that have been topped and tailed. They dust-bathe under them, and follow the shade round during the day. They still get overheated.

I've put the Geese in their run too, as we're away soon, so it makes it easier for 'sitters' and I've even caught the Chooks paddling in their pool!

No, sorry, the books say Chooks don't like water!