Raising backyard chickens is rewarding, especially when you collect fresh eggs daily. But sometimes, a hen suddenly stops laying eggs and you’re left wondering why. Egg production naturally fluctuates, but there are specific reasons behind a drop or complete stop in laying. In this guide, we’ll explore the top causes for hens not laying eggs and how to get them back on track.
1. Seasonal Changes and Molting
The reason: Chickens naturally slow down or stop laying during shorter daylight hours, especially in fall and winter. During molting, they shed old feathers and redirect energy from egg production to feather regrowth.
The fix: Provide supplemental lighting in the coop to extend daylight to 14–16 hours per day. Offer a high-protein diet to support feather regrowth.
2. Poor Nutrition
The reason: Layers need balanced feed with adequate protein, calcium, and minerals. Feeding too many kitchen scraps or low-quality grains can disrupt egg production.
The fix: Use a layer feed with 16–18% protein and crushed oyster shells for calcium. Limit treats to no more than 10% of their diet.
3. Stress Factors
The reason: Predators lurking nearby, aggressive flock mates, or frequent changes in their environment can cause stress, which impacts laying.
The fix: Keep the coop safe, maintain a consistent routine, and provide enough nesting boxes (1 box per 3–4 hens) to avoid competition.
4. Age of the Hen
The reason: Egg production peaks in the first 2–3 years of a hen’s life, then gradually declines.
The fix: While you can’t reverse age, consider adding new pullets each year to keep egg supply steady.
5. Health Issues and Parasites
The reason: Internal worms, lice, or mites can drain a hen’s energy and reduce laying. Illnesses like egg binding or reproductive problems also affect production.
The fix: Regularly check your chickens for external parasites, deworm as needed, and consult a vet if a hen appears ill or lethargic.
6. Broodiness
The reason: Some hens stop laying because they’re in a broody phase, wanting to hatch eggs instead.
The fix: Remove eggs daily, and if needed, place the broody hen in a “breaker” cage with a wire bottom to cool her down and stop the broody behavior.
Conclusion
If your chicken isn’t laying eggs anymore, don’t panic. Identify the root cause, adjust their care, and be patient. Sometimes, hens just need a little extra time and the right conditions to start laying again.
