3 year old chicken hasnt layed yet this spring

[karenviolin]

Hi! We have 3 chickens total- RI red, Ameruacana and Plymouth Rock. They are very happy and live in a clean, environment with plenty of outside time. we have had them since chicks and they have laid extremely well. This spring my two other chickens are laying every day, but the Plymouth Rock hasn't laid a single egg yet. She seems super healthy. Nothing obvious that I've been able to tell. The only explanation I have is stress. We have a 2 year old boy and now that he's running around he likes to chase the chickens sometimes. She is the only one that will peck him if he's being too in her face. If it is stress related how do I fix it? The other two dont seem to have an issue. I'm truly stumped. She's been a great layer the past 2 years. Thanks so much for your help!!! Here's a pic of her in case I've missed something. FYI, She molted a few months ago.

 

[sourland]

Feather condition and bright comb indicate that she is in great shape. Hopefully she will start laying again soon. Unless your son is constantly harassing her I doubt that he is stressing her too that degree.

 

[getaclue]

I'd have a fecal done. I've had that happen before, and with my flock it usually means that particular bird needs worming. Of course, if one needs worming, it's best to worm all of them.

 

[karenviolin]

I'd have a fecal done. I've had that happen before, and with my flock it usually means that particular bird needs worming. Of course, if one needs worming, it's best to worm all of them.

How would I go about doing that? These are my first birds and they've been fine so far. Wondering if it would be ok to just give them the medicine as a prophylactic?

 

[Trux]

How would I go about doing that? These are my first birds and they've been fine so far. Wondering if it would be ok to just give them the medicine as a prophylactic?

You don't want to put them through a worming if they don't need it. Amazon has fecal float tests you can buy there like 20 bucks. That way you will know for sure. Or if you have a vet that sees chickens you can take her there

 

[getaclue]

Call and get prices for fecal floats at the nearby vet's offices, and take a sample in to the cheapest one. For the sample, scoop some fresh poo from this chicken into a baggie, and take it in. As someone else mentioned, you can also get the tests from online sources.

 

[karenviolin]

I've been doing a little more research today, and I'm gonna try diatomaceous earth for a bit and see if that helps. Thanks so much for the advise!!! it sounds like many people de worm their chickens on a regular basis....I'd rather try the natural route and see if it works. She hasnt shown any of the usual signs of worms yet. and its been about a month or more.

 

[getaclue]

For the record, DE is worthless, especially as a wormer. Get a fecal done to know whether it's even necessary to worm. It may not be that. I said that's what the problem is when it happens in my flock, but that does not mean it's the problem in this case. IF the test indicates your flock needs worming, it will tell you what type(s) of worms you're dealing with. That helps a little when selecting a wormer, and the dosage.

 

[Folly's place]

Leave the DE at the store, and have a fecal run, as mentioned above. Also look for mites or lice on the birds, at night with a flashlight, and treat them with Permethrin if necessary (not DE!).
At age three, she may be developing issues with her reproductive tract, and just not be producing eggs.
Do they free range? Look hard for hidden nests!
Mary

 

[Bound to Sea]

Hi! We have 3 chickens total- RI red, Ameruacana and Plymouth Rock. They are very happy and live in a clean, environment with plenty of outside time. we have had them since chicks and they have laid extremely well. This spring my two other chickens are laying every day, but the Plymouth Rock hasn't laid a single egg yet. She seems super healthy. Nothing obvious that I've been able to tell. The only explanation I have is stress. We have a 2 year old boy and now that he's running around he likes to chase the chickens sometimes. She is the only one that will peck him if he's being too in her face. If it is stress related how do I fix it? The other two dont seem to have an issue. I'm truly stumped. She's been a great layer the past 2 years. Thanks so much for your help!!! Here's a pic of her in case I've missed something. FYI, She molted a few months ago. View attachment 1780515

It is frustrating when a good layer stops laying. I have the same problem. My RIR hasn't layed for over a YEAR

 . Here she is, doesn't even scratch like like the others do anymore. She is only 3. I cannot wait to see some responses too. I have tried everything. Thanks