Chickens Stopped laying

[dr1939]

I have 2 chickens that just quit laying all of a sudden about 6 days ago . THey both were laying every other day but both of them quit about 6 days ago. I have looked evrywhere they could have decided to lay instead of the laying box but cannot find any eggs anywhere. does anyone have any ideas as to what may be the problem?? Thanks

 

[azygous]

Perhaps your hens are beginning fall molt if you are located in the northern hemisphere where our days are getting shorter. Have you noticed more than the usual amount of feathers flying around?

 

[ronott1]

X2 on molting if they are about a year and a half old or older.

The first molt often takes chicken owners by surprise

 

[aart]

How old are birds?
Molting could indeed be the cause.

Do you free range?
They could be hiding a nest

Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!

 

[Cindy in PA]

I am having the same problem with the weirdest chickens I can ever remember. Hatched last March 27th. Laid well from Mid August- Thanksgiving & then about 6 molted at 8 months & quit. They never really rebounded after that. In May a BA went broody then another & then the first one went broody again. She is just giving up now. Egg production has been 4-8 a day all summer from 13 hens. I have 4 EEs & haven't gotten a green egg since last Tuesday. Two still have red combs. They didn't even make a year of laying, but I think they may have started molting, but am not really seeing loose feathers yet. Never had this happen in 25 years, but this whole year the weather has been lousy. I get enough eggs for myself & the few people I give them to. I had contemplated keeping them longer than 2 years, but may rethink that now, although I hope the BA goes broody again next spring so she can hatch some eggs. Good luck!