2 year old Orpington hasn't laid in 6-8 months

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She could be hiding in the boxes, I've had lower ranking hens do that.

 

[Welshies]

She could be hiding in the boxes, I've had lower ranking hens do that.

Agreed.

 

[Jeni in FL]

She could be hiding in the boxes, I've had lower ranking hens do that.

I never thought of that. But why no eggs for so long, nearly 8 months seems like a long time to not have laid an egg? The Australorps only seem to bully her when new food or treats come out, then they let her know she is on the bottom of the totem pole.

 

[Welshies]

I never thought of that. But why no eggs for so long, nearly 8 months seems like a long time to not have laid an egg? The Australorps only seem to bully her when new food or treats come out, then they let her know she is on the bottom of the totem pole.

I suggest you switch up feed. She may just be taking a long break.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I never thought of that. But why no eggs for so long, nearly 8 months seems like a long time to not have laid an egg? The Australorps only seem to bully her when new food or treats come out, then they let her know she is on the bottom of the totem pole.

Are you absolutely positive she hasn't laid any eggs? Can you tell the eggs apart? There are many reasons a hen might not lay, stuff like a damaged ovary, disease, and not enough protein to name a few.

If you are feeding a layer that is 16% protein switching to a higher protein ration can sometimes jump start the system as it takes a lot of protein to make new feathers and to make eggs. When I switched to an All Flock ration a few years ago my production picked up and a 8 year old hen suddenly started laying sporadically again, so she could be deficient.

 

[Welshies]

16% protein is a bit low. Lay feed is also bad for birds that aren't laying (non laying hens, chicks, or roosters), so switch to an 18-22% all flock feed or maintenance feed. Lay feed fed to non-laying birds can harm them or slow their development. Give a free-choice bowl of oystershell for calcium.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi

I would give her a thorough examination, particularly check for any swelling between her legs or around her vent. Do this at roost time and compare to one or several of your other chickens to get an idea of what is normal. Check by feel rather than looking as those feathers make it very difficult to assess visually. I cup my hand and place it between their legs. Also assess her weight by lifting her up.
My concern would be that she is internally laying. That photo shows her comb and wattles are nice and red indicating that she is, or soon should be ovulating. Visiting the nest box and singing the egg song can indicate that she is about to commence laying but if this behaviour has been going on for weeks or longer, then that suggests to me that she is laying internally. It is sadly all too common in chickens of 2+years old.

 

[Jeni in FL]

Hi

I would give her a thorough examination, particularly check for any swelling between her legs or around her vent. Do this at roost time and compare to one or several of your other chickens to get an idea of what is normal. Check by feel rather than looking as those feathers make it very difficult to assess visually. I cup my hand and place it between their legs. Also assess her weight by lifting her up.
My concern would be that she is internally laying. That photo shows her comb and wattles are nice and red indicating that she is, or soon should be ovulating. Visiting the nest box and singing the egg song can indicate that she is about to commence laying but if this behaviour has been going on for weeks or longer, then that suggests to me that she is laying internally. It is sadly all too common in chickens of 2+years old.

I did all that when she first started months ago. That was my concern as well.

 

[Jeni in FL]

Are you absolutely positive she hasn't laid any eggs? Can you tell the eggs apart? There are many reasons a hen might not lay, stuff like a damaged ovary, disease, and not enough protein to name a few.

If you are feeding a layer that is 16% protein switching to a higher protein ration can sometimes jump start the system as it takes a lot of protein to make new feathers and to make eggs. When I switched to an All Flock ration a few years ago my production picked up and a 8 year old hen suddenly started laying sporadically again, so she could be deficient.

Definitely not laying. I have a small flock and they all lay different colored eggs. I will definitely change the food.

 

[rebrascora]

I did all that when she first started months ago. That was my concern as well.

I take it there was nothing untoward at that time. Have you checked again recently. It takes a while for a mass to build up with internal laying..... it can go on for months and during moult when they stop ovulating, often some of the swelling can dissipate. Usually things are pretty bad by the time it becomes noticeable.