Americana starts and stops laying

[theeggandi]

Our favorite layer, an Americana, recently completed her molt, and started laying again. She was giving us an egg a day, then every couple of days, and now none! Temperatures in our area have remained the same, lighting is the same, food the same. Any ideas why she abruptly stopped?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Because it is spring, she may be going broody. Other reasons for her to stop laying is stress and/or loss of water for a long period of time.

 

[theeggandi]

Don't think it's stress. I only have hens (no rooster to stir things up!). Of course you never know what the 'girls' are thinking. They always have water available. Can't figure it out.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Don't think it's stress. I only have hens (no rooster to stir things up!). Of course you never know what the 'girls' are thinking. They always have water available. Can't figure it out.

If you notice her gradually making deeper clucks, clucking to herself, or staying in the laying box for a long period of time, she may be going broody.