All of the hens have quit laying

[springbean]

All five girls were laying, then one became broody, she is now laying on 3 (hopefully fertilized) eggs. The situation is, why have the other 4 stopped laying? Granted, the broody hen is mostly staying in one of the nest boxes, though there are two others available in the coop. I've checked around the yard for any eggs, none have been laid by the girls.

What gives?

Thank you!

 

[sourland]

There may be a multitude of reasons none of which have to do with the fact that one of your hens is broody. Check the sticky at the top of this page.