Chicken stopped laying eggs altogether

[HennyPenny44]

My Easter Egger who started laying on October 22nd has stopped laying eggs altogether for the last 12 days. She used to lay 5 eggs a week and started tapering off a couple of weeks ago. What’s confusing me is that the days are getting longer now so she should be laying something, I would think. She was laying her usual 5 a week during the shortest days in December/January. My other birds who are dual purpose and who started laying in November/December are all laying fine (5-7 eggs a week each). Could something be wrong with my Easter Egger? She’s behaving normally and I’m not sure what to check for.

 

[Kiki]

What do you feed your flock?
Have you ever dewormed them?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My Easter Egger who started laying on October 22nd has stopped laying eggs altogether for the last 12 days. She used to lay 5 eggs a week and started tapering off a couple of weeks ago. What’s confusing me is that the days are getting longer now so she should be laying something, I would think

Some birds just aren't consistent layers... I had a hatchery EE do about the same thing off and on despite no issues. Almost turned me away from them but I love their personalities so tried again... only to get our favorite hen ever... who turned out to be a good consistent layer, thankfully!

I also have an EE who sometimes insist on hiding her nest after stents of good weather. Is it possible she's hiding eggs?

5 eggs per week is 100% NOT normal long term for colored egg layers and usually only like that when first coming into lay. Eventually they will settle to about 3-4 eggs per week. My best guess would be this is part of that settlement period.

 

[chickens really]

I definitely wouldn't worry about that. All birds take breaks. It's natural. Hybrid layers were bred to lay consistently with sorter longevity in laying. She is just normal.

 

[HennyPenny44]

What do you feed your flock?
Have you ever dewormed them?

Thanks for the reply. They’re eating Nature’s Best organic layer pellets. I switched to that about a month ago from Nutrena layer pellets. I have not dewormed them and not sure how to do it. I was putting diatomaceous earth with the older feed but haven’t been doing it with this newer feed. I also give them ACV in their water.

The only thing I can think of is that my barred rock has been picking on her and chasing her away but this barred rock does that with another chicken who lays just fine.

 

[HennyPenny44]

Some birds just aren't consistent layers... I had a hatchery EE do about the same thing off and on despite no issues. Almost turned me away from them but I love their personalities so tried again... only to get our favorite hen ever... who turned out to be a good consistent layer, thankfully!

I also have an EE who sometimes insist on hiding her nest after stents of good weather. Is it possible she's hiding eggs?

5 eggs per week is 100% NOT normal long term for colored egg layers and usually only like that when first coming into lay. Eventually they will settle to about 3-4 eggs per week. My best guess would be this is part of that settlement period.

She was laying 4 eggs a week more recently before she totally stopped. I don’t think she’s hiding eggs because they’re in a confined area which I check on daily. I’d know when she’s laying eggs because she makes multiple trips to the coop before she lays an egg. She did used to lay eggs on the coop floor but there’s none there. I do hope it’s just her taking a break. Sometimes I think she’s looking rather scrawny and needs a break. She’s a small bird.

 

[HennyPenny44]

I definitely wouldn't worry about that. All birds take breaks. It's natural. Hybrid layers were bred to lay consistently with sorter longevity in laying. She is just normal.

Ok, thanks, that’s good to know. She’s a sweety so as long as she’s healthy, I’m happy.

 

[Kiki]

Thanks for the reply. They’re eating Nature’s Best organic layer pellets. I switched to that about a month ago from Nutrena layer pellets. I have not dewormed them and not sure how to do it. I was putting diatomaceous earth with the older feed but haven’t been doing it with this newer feed. I also give them ACV in their water.

The only thing I can think of is that my barred rock has been picking on her and chasing her away but this barred rock does that with another chicken who lays just fine.

DE not ACV will prevent or treat worms.

Can you call around to the nearest dog vet offices and ask them if they will test some fresh poop for you if you bring it in in a dish?

 

[aart]

Some birds just aren't consistent layers... I had a hatchery EE do about the same thing off and on despite no issues.

Ditto Dat^^^

Could something be wrong with my Easter Egger? She’s behaving normally and I’m not sure what to check for.

If she's behaving normally I would not worry....just be patient.
As blooie sez: "they're not pez dispensers"

DE not ACV will prevent or treat worms.

...or anything else....I'd stop adding both of those things.


I would not jump to the conclusion that worms are the problem...but can be good to find a reputable lab that will do a fecal test and report species and numbers of worms/eggs found.

 

[HennyPenny44]

DE not ACV will prevent or treat worms.

Can you call around to the nearest dog vet offices and ask them if they will test some fresh poop for you if you bring it in in a dish?

I do have a vet office nearby so I can give it a go. Just have to make sure to get her poop first and not the others'.