Chickens don't lay in winter

[sunny_bellyboo]

My chickens don't lay in winter and are often sick. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Many do not lay in the winter why do you think they are also sick?

 

[azygous]

Maybe. But give us some clues, please, so we can know:

-what you feed them, including treats and how often
-what their living quarters are like
-any chance of coop mites?
-how about stress factors such as noisy dogs threatening them or predators hassling them?'
-what is their behavior? Lethargic, weak?
-droppings, runny, watery, bloody?
-ages of your hens

 

[chrissynemetz]

As far as not laying in winter, that is normal. Between molting and the shorter days of winter, most chickens do take a break from laying.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Some birds take molting very tough might even mimic being sick

 

[chrissynemetz]

And welcome to BYC!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Perhaps something wrong.
Not laying in winter isn't abnormal depending on the hens' ages.
The age of your birds will help with whether it is normal.
As for illness, many people believe their birds may be cold and close up the coop which raises humidity and limits fresh air which in turn is a recipe for respiratory disease.

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

Many do not lay in the winter why do you think they are also sick?

if you check my other thread you can see one of my chickens is currently very sick

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

Maybe. But give us some clues, please, so we can know:

-what you feed them, including treats and how often
-what their living quarters are like
-any chance of coop mites?
-how about stress factors such as noisy dogs threatening them or predators hassling them?'
-what is their behavior? Lethargic, weak?
-droppings, runny, watery, bloody?
-ages of your hens

Purina layer feed
Not cramped, warm, not shaky
no
yes actually
one of my chickens is sick currently
not usually
1-3 years old

 

[pennyJo1960]

Please attch photos and why you think she is sick ? how is she acting or not ?