- Oct 14, 2008
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Hens stopped laying ... ?!?! About a month ago I had a bear get in my hen house and get one of my hens. I had 10 hens and they averaged 8 -10 eggs a day, usually closer to 8. Right after the attack they quit laying for a day or two, then it was no more than 3 eggs max for about 3 weeks, then it went to 2 then 1 and now for almost a week nothing. So my question is .. Could they be traumatized to the point they stop laying altogether ?? I have also heard it my be that they are molting ?? I'll list some info that may or may not be helpful. I live in central FL. They have a 10' x 10' enclosed hen house and a 10' x 10' outdoor run, and get run of a 1/2 acre fenced in yard (not laying in the bushes)3-5 hrs a day. They will be a year old the first week of november. They consist of 2-EEs 2-BarredRocks 5-RIRs. They always have fresh water/food and have oyster shell available at all times, and are fed a quality food made for laying hens. I have already ran into rat snakes getting into the hen house and have since snake proofed the laying area. I don't mind to start over with chicks again but I can't afford to feed chickens for an extended period of time with out atleast getting anough eggs for my family. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated.