Chickens stopped laying completely

[termeerchick]

So I tried to search but couldn’t find anything similar to my situation. My flock of hens were great layers. Then molting and the shorter days hit and it slowed down like normal. All of the sudden everything just stopped completely. It’s been 3 1/2 weeks and no eggs. So I’m thinking a few things. There have been ground squirrels that have made tunnels right next to and under their coop. Do you think the squirrels are stressing them out so they’re not laying? Or do you think the squirrels are taking the eggs? How do you normally get rid of squirrels? I have bait boxes for the mice and I was thinking of maybe getting ones for the squirrels as well. Has anyone had success with that? Also they free range during the day so I suppose it’s a possibility that they are laying somewhere else now. Or I could be completely wrong and them not laying any eggs this time of year is normal. We rescued them so I don’t really know how old they are but I’m thinking around 4 years old. When do they stop laying for good? I would so appreciate any input or advice. Thank you in advance

 

[sourland]

How old are your birds ? If they are a year or older, the molt and shortened daylength have caused a very normal break in the laying cycle. As day length increases they will resume laying. Oops just reread and noted that they are 4 years old. They may be reaching the end of their productive years.

 

[featherhead007]

So I tried to search but couldn’t find anything similar to my situation. My flock of hens were great layers. Then molting and the shorter days hit and it slowed down like normal. All of the sudden everything just stopped completely. It’s been 3 1/2 weeks and no eggs. So I’m thinking a few things. There have been ground squirrels that have made tunnels right next to and under their coop. Do you think the squirrels are stressing them out so they’re not laying? Or do you think the squirrels are taking the eggs? How do you normally get rid of squirrels? I have bait boxes for the mice and I was thinking of maybe getting ones for the squirrels as well. Has anyone had success with that? Also they free range during the day so I suppose it’s a possibility that they are laying somewhere else now. Or I could be completely wrong and them not laying any eggs this time of year is normal. We rescued them so I don’t really know how old they are but I’m thinking around 4 years old. When do they stop laying for good? I would so appreciate any input or advice. Thank you in advance

I think you may be right. All of the above!