All hens stopped laying

[cndshaw]

I have 12 laying hens and for the past three days not one has laid. They have fresh feed and water and a nice place to roost. We live in south tx the temp here is in the low to mid 80's right now. The only thing that has happened is that last weekend a stray dog killed one. They were out of their pen scratching around. One hen was inside the pen with the gate open. The dog got in there and killed her. She was the only hen in the pen. My husband was able to remove the dog. The hens continued their free ranging and seemed to be fine. They are all about 2 1/2 years old. Does anyone know what could be the answer to why they are not laying.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and . Pleased joined our community! A trauma like a dog attack will often do that. I recently had two stray dogs in my yard....a brief chase but no attack. I went from 11-13 eggs per day to 3 eggs the next day. Took a week to get back to normal numbers. I think it just takes a little time to get back in the swing. Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard chickens! I agree with redsox, it was probably the trauma of a predator attack, and all will be back to normal in a week or so. If they are still not laying in 10 days, then there is probably something wrong. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy BYC as much as I have!

 

[cndshaw]

Thanks for the information!

 

[dekel18042]

I have 12 laying hens and for the past three days not one has laid. They have fresh feed and water and a nice place to roost. We live in south tx the temp here is in the low to mid 80's right now. The only thing that has happened is that last weekend a stray dog killed one. They were out of their pen scratching around. One hen was inside the pen with the gate open. The dog got in there and killed her. She was the only hen in the pen. My husband was able to remove the dog. The hens continued their free ranging and seemed to be fine. They are all about 2 1/2 years old. Does anyone know what could be the answer to why they are not laying.

Welcome. Yes, stress will lower egg laying but this time of year I wonder if any are molting plus daylight hours are decreasing.
I'm getting about 50% of the eggs I normally get but I do have some in molt. I do have some young ones just starting and they are more than pulling their weight and other' almost six months old and I've notice their combs are changing so I am hoping they start laying soon.
When they start molting I add a food station of feather and grower both of which have higher protein to hopefully get them through their molt faster. I also give high protein treats like a cup of dry cat food or dog food kibble every day.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sorry about your loss. Maybe your hens didn't see the attack but, heard it going on - so are stressed regardless.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[cndshaw]

Thanks