Doubt very much it is the integration of chicks, seriously I do. Chicks are not something that older birds worry too much about, other than telling them who is bossman(s). Those youngsters you have are not old enough to cause any stress in that way to the mature group. Not that. Summertime in many instances, the hens slow down in egg production. They may be coming into an early molt too. Inevitably in early fall, if birds are over a year old, there will be that fall molt. Some molt in summer, some molt in spring. Anyone's guess. And...if it is really hot, I find my birds take a little reprieve from laying, heat is also a stressor that can cause lower egg production. How old are the egg laying birds again? Can't remember. I know they were laying when you got them last summer. I don't think they are too old to be in the idea that they may be slowing down with age. They are an egg laying hybrid if memory serves. That tendency for the egg laying breeds is to not live quite as long as a heritage one. They burn out faster from creation of eggs. It takes alot out of a hen to lay eggs. But they are not old, as far as I can recall. Just give a little time, they will pick up again. If they are in a full blown molt, expect to have low egg production for about 6 weeks, give or take. Hope they get it together, lots of fresh eggs are nice. But....getting back to the question, I HIGHLY doubt it is the adolescents that have had anything to do with reduced egg production.
Others please chime in with your thoughts and experience, BigRock requires some answers. Have a most beautiful day, CynthiaM.
