Egg-laying after moult…..?

[FluffyandGinger]

Hi everyone,

I've just experienced a moult for the first time with my Australorp….. And that was in Autumn (in Australia). It's now winter, her feathers are back, her comb is bright red and about 3 weeks ago I got one egg from her and nothing since.

I've tried keeping her in the coop for a few days to make sure she knows to be laying in the nest box but nothing, not one egg, not even in the wrong spot. I've searched all over the yard and under the house, but can't seem to find a secret stash either.

Could a hen have a bright red comb and not be laying? Might she be waiting until Summer? How long after a moult does the egg laying resume full swing?

THANKS!

 

[cluck13]

Hi Fluffy and Ginger - I have heard of a couple of cases whereby the hens are not laying as well as you would expect. Due to the season, it just maybe that your hen is not getting enough to eat. Pollard is great as a mash, and is good energy source. Rolled Oats made into a porridge

 

[FluffyandGinger]

Thank you! I've been feeding her up, sadly she doesn't like porridge but there are other favourites she's been getting. Still no eggs to be found. I caught her in the coop tonight and inspected her vent, pink and moist. Looks like I'll have to keep her locked up for longer to see if she's indeed laying and to try and persuade her back to laying in the nest box again.... Ahhhhhh!!!!

 

[cluck13]

I do hope that she will start laying soon