It’s a cold January here in Minnesota and I’ve had a number of people reach out as to why their hens aren’t laying eggs. Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience, especially when you enjoy the fresh eggs they provide. However, it can be concerning when your hens suddenly stop laying! There are a few different reasons why chickens stop laying eggs and today we’re going to look at each one of those.
Seasonal Changes
Chickens are sensitive to daylight and temperature changes. Most hens require around 14 hours of daylight to maintain consistent egg production. During the shorter days of fall and winter, hens naturally reduce or stop laying altogether.
Newer Hens: Young hens may still lay through the winter but likely won’t produce daily unless you add supplemental light.
To Add Light or Not to Add Light? Adding artificial light to the coop can keep egg production steady, but some chicken keepers prefer to let their flock take a natural break during the winter. It’s a personal choice based on your flock’s needs and your preferences!
Stress Factors
Stress can significantly impact your hens’ ability to lay eggs. Common stressors include:
Predators or Attacks: Even the presence of predators can make hens anxious.
New Environments: Moving your flock to a new location or introducing new birds can disrupt their routine.
Pecking Order Issues: Bullying and pecking order issues within the flock can also cause stress.
Whenever my flock experiences stress, I turn to Flock Fixer. It provides an extra boost during tough times and has even saved the lives of a couple of my hens!
Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is essential for hens to produce eggs. If they’re not getting the right nutrients, their laying may slow or stop entirely.
Layer Feed: Ensure your flock is on high-quality layer feed, which meets the nutritional needs of laying hens.
Calcium and Protein: These are critical for strong eggshells and consistent production.
Grit and Clean Water: Chickens need grit for digestion and fresh, clean water daily. Adding electrolytes, like those in Flock Fixer, can also support hydration and overall health.
Age of the Hens
Hens are most productive between 6 months and 2 years old. After that, egg production naturally declines as they age.
Older Hens: If your hens are over 2 years old, they may simply be nearing the end of their productive years.
What to Do? While some people cull older hens, I prefer to keep them as pets and introduce younger hens to maintain steady egg production. My chickens bring me so much joy, and I love having them around!
Health Issues
Health problems can also lead to a drop in egg production. Common issues include:
Parasites: Both external (mites, lice and fleas) and internal parasites (worms) can affect laying.
Infections: Illnesses like respiratory infections or egg-binding can stop production.
Hygiene Matters: Keep the coop clean and perform regular health checks to catch potential issues early.
Molting
Molting is when hens shed old feathers to grow new ones, and it typically happens once a year. This process can last several weeks, and during this time, hens usually stop laying eggs.
Support During Molting: Provide a diet higher in protein to help your flock through molting. A cozy, stress-free coop will also make a big difference.
Tips for Getting Your Hens Back on Track
If your chickens stop laying eggs, take a close look at their age, environment, diet and health. As the days get longer, egg production will naturally pick up again, but you can help your flock thrive by staying proactive.
I can’t recommend Strong Animals Chicken Essentials enough. Their products have been a game-changer for my flock, supporting their health and keeping them productive year-round. A healthy, stress-free environment paired with proper nutrition will keep your hens happy and laying for years to come!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.