9 hens, no eggs

[Linda Ann]

I have 9 hens; one I know was injured by a Rooster we used to have and hasn't ever layed eggs.
The other 8 stopped laying 2 months ago, they are all around the same age, approx. 4 years old, I got them from my son, after his teenagers, no longer had any interest in taking care of their easter chicks. I took them in as I no longer had any chickens.
about 3 of the 8 stopped molting 30 days ago, still no eggs. I bought black soldier fly larvae, omega 3 pellets and cracked corn for a treat, and still no eggs.
What am I doing wrong? It is expensive to feed and get nothing in return.

 

[chicken 5978]

I heard chickens usually lay less eggs during fall.

 

[50-45-1]

Hi Linda,
I have about 30 hens and getting 2 or 3 eggs a day. This is usually a very slow time if year for me, as hens are actively molting and temps are colder.
Not sure where you are located or your climate.
I would just keep feeding your layer feed and maybe some higher protein treets in moderation to help finish those feathers. I would avoid the corn as it's more like a dessert and adds lots of fat.
You dont say what breed your girls are, but hens will slow down gradually as they get older.
Next time you get hens for eggs go with leghorn breeds, they lay eggs of regular size, are smaller bodied so they eat less, generally continue laying better as they age, and nowadays come in a variety of colors.
Good luck!

 

[K0k0shka]

Have they previously stopped for winter, or just slowed down? Their previous winters? Depending on the breed, or even individual variation, some hens stop completely after their molt and rest during the winter, even at their prime. Others only slow down, and yet others (the hardcore production breeds) can lay well all winter. It’s very possible that these are just taking their winter break, nothing wrong with them necessarily.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

about 3 of the 8 stopped molting 30 days ago, still no eggs. I bought black soldier fly larvae, omega 3 pellets and cracked corn for a treat, and still no eggs.
What am I doing wrong? It is expensive to feed and get nothing in return.

Welcome to BYC!

Once molt is complete.. egg laying is dependent upon lighting cycle.. most return to lay after daylight increases back. Some folks (and all commercial operations) provide this increase in lighting artificially. For myself it increases flock boredom, noise, and other issues and natural lighting schedule is preferred.

I still find supporting elder hens through 3-4 month molt.. more affordable than raising chicks with heat and waiting 5-6 months before they start laying smaller eggs than the elder ladies.

Do you know their breeds?

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Hi, just want to share that we are also are having a slow egg period. My hens are 2.5 to 3 years old. Rhode Island Reds and one New Hampshire and one barred rock. No eggs for past week. I did cull a sick one and investigated- no eggs development in her ovary area.
Some are molting. They seem healthy as well. I didn’t get new chicks this year. Thinking I should of gotten more. I like keeping about 6- 11 hens at a time.
If you want them to lay they need more light. I let mine rest.
Natural light. Good luck