10 month old hen stopped laying

[Anaf]

Hi all! My speckled sussex hen (Dulce) has not laid an egg for a few months now. She started laying around 6 months old and laid for nearly two months, before stopping abruptly. She eats and drinks normally, she is VERY talkative. She still often does the submissive squat when I simply walk past her, although I am not sure if this is relevant. I have however noticed that all my chickens shake their heads quite often. I understand that this could be either due to ear lice or respiratory illness?? But my other hens lay daily and have been doing so since POL. I also note that there is nothing unusual about Dulce's droppings. Should I be concerned about her?? I do not have any decent poultry vets nearby hence why I am asking here )

 

[pennyJo1960]

Could you post a few photos please also tell us where you live as days getting shorter will cause a bird not to lay

 

[Anaf]

I'll take some photos of her droppings tomorrow if that is what you mean by photos? I live in New Zealand where it is Spring, going into Summer. I've attached some photos of Dulce in the meantime

 

[Acre4Me]

Her wattles etc are pretty red, meaning she might have a secret nest. Have you checked her vent (moist) or her pelvic spread (I recall three fingers width if they are laying but not sure)?

She sure looks healthy, so I’m going with possible secret nest unless she is always locked in a run that you can see every last corner and inch of ground.

 

[aart]

Have you checked her vent (moist) or her pelvic spread (I recall three fingers width if they are laying but not sure)?

2-3 fingers, depending on the size of your fingers and the size of the bird.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Anaf]

Her wattles etc are pretty red, meaning she might have a secret nest. Have you checked her vent (moist) or her pelvic spread (I recall three fingers width if they are laying but not sure)?

She sure looks healthy, so I’m going with possible secret nest unless she is always locked in a run that you can see every last corner and inch of ground.

That's an excellent point, never thought of that! I'll to scan the run for any hiding place!

 

[Anaf]

Her pelvic spread is three fingers and the distance between her keel and vent is four/five fingers. Her vent is also moist. There are definitely no secret nests in the run either :/

 

[pennyJo1960]

then she is not ready be patient it will happen but this time of year some will wait for spring same thing I am facing now with the old gals in molt no one is laying of 26

 

[Anaf]

The only thing is that she did start laying at 6 months old, and then stopped laying two months ago. I guess you might be right; she may haven taken a break to start again in a few months as we head into summer. Thanks for all the help!

 

[NxthiTsab]

I may not be able to help with your question but the girls are so colorful