HeavyMetal : "eggesactly"
deport :” .. The cause of the reduction in egg production is still unknown,
but some suggest that the feed’s new formulation may have a lower protein content."
Also See the “hot link” in Post #18 for a partial explanation about reduced egg production
V_TWIN : Post #14 :” Yes a “filler” (Melamine which is a type of plastic) that came from china
was an ingredient in dog and cat pet food that played a large part in shortening the life of 2 of my cats."
(My Comment) : All true !
Some reduction of egg production during winter is to be expected as laying hens are photo-sensitive (depends on the amount of sunlight, or artificial provided light).
However, the fact that there is such an abrupt change in egg laying production is a certain cause for concern.
To my mind, a chicken egg is a protein "bomb": high protein which comes encapsulated within its own protective cover, and can last for months.
And lastly, V_TWIN's comment about the use of poisonous melamine, supplied in Chinese feed supplies in pet feed is an historical fact.
Also, the use of 'well aged' chicken manure for the use in gardens and fields is a known agricultural practice, as fresh chicken manure is considered too 'hot' (with nitrogen).
Some believe there is an attack on chickens and egg production because of research revealing there are antibodies in eggs that effectively fight covid.
https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/covid-19-antibodies-eggs
Ammonia (in chicken and hog manure) is very toxic to other plants, until well-composted and diluted with straw/hay and other manures or soils.
Here's my former business' compost "pile" -- several hundred tons -- with 2 of my 38 employees in front, for scale...
I have slightly over a ton of it so no personal experience but if you do not feed the chickens enough calcium they do not lay.
Worse they may become egg bound which is a problem you really do not want to have.