Australorp Just Stopped Laying? Why

[crazy chook]

My big Australorp hen that is 18months old that just stopped laying eggs. She had a runny eye and cough for two days. By the time I got her some antibiotics to put in the water it was all cleared up and she was back to her normal self? I don't know what happened or what it was especially to only last two days. I am out with them every day and she was not acting any differently but ever since that day she has stopped laying. It is winter here now so she is not in moult.

Why has she stopped laying?? any ideas

 

[KKatknap]

All of my girls (including the 2 Australorps) stopped laying for awhile in the winter. It has to do with daylight hours. If they are not getting enough light, they will take a break until it picks up again in the spring.

 

[Cindy in PA]

From my experience hens molt after 1 year of laying no matter what the season and 18 months is about right.