Re: fewer eggs

I am in north Texas (Dallas area), which normally is quite hot at this time
of year, but hasn't been because of all the rain. It's been flooding all
month. The hens are Black Austrolorps which I bought specifically because
they can withstand the heat while continuing to lay. They did just fine
last summer. They do have a hen house on stilts that gets them up off the
ground if they choose.


"Jill" <news@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4682060c$0$8738$ed2619ec@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
janerene wrote:
We are having an incredible amount of rain in our area--almost
daily--and our hens are laying fewer eggs than previously. Does rain
have that effect on chickens, or is that a coincidence? They appear
to be molting--tail feathers and around some necks bare--and I've
heard that can cut egg production. I just want the girls to get back
to normal.... Jane

The change in the weather can cause eg production to change -- heat
especially, with rain may well come other atmospherics.
The change in weather can also trigger a moult.
The moult might well be just because they have got to that stage in the
year. Sometimes birds which started laying in early autumn and lay through
the winter will have an early moult rather than wait until the next
autumn.
In which case its likely to be a few weeks before they have the resources
to lay again.
If you can give us an idea of your location and the age and breeds of hens
it might be possible to refine the ideas.


--

regards
Jill Bowis

Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk




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