egglaying

[gem]

My chickens were laying nearly one egg per day, and then suddenly stopped. Why? They do not appear to be molting so why would they just quit?

 

[havi]

Where do you live? Ive heard some people say their birds slow down or stop laying when it gets too hot. Im not sure though..sorry I couldnt be of more help.

 

[gem]

I live in Kentucky. I have two Golden Comets - one is laying. Two Cochins and two Delawares. Those four were laying until a week ago and suddenly quit. It has not been terribly hot here.

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

You havent fed them anything citrisy have you? Like oranges, limes etc... I heard that can also cause them to not lay for a few days.
Hope they pick back up on the egg laying for you soon.

Jayare

 

[cmom]

Excessive heat, cold and stress can cause them to stop or slow don in laying.

 

[cmom]

Excessive heat, cold and stress can cause them to slow down or stop egg laying

 

[Wynette]

How old are they? How long have they been laying? Are they getting layer feed and oyster shell? It's most likely the heat, but sometimes they just need a bit of a break.

 

[gem]

These hens are 2-3 years old - I don't know eggzactly since I bought them as adults. I did get one egg today so perhaps they are starting back.
I moved them about a week ago so perhaps the move stressed them some.
I know layers should get 16-18% protein laying feed, but if you feed them some tomatoes, etc., and they eat less feed, will that make them stop laying temporarily? I have not given them any citrus type foods unless tomatoes fit that category.
Thanks for your responses.

 

[Wynette]

A move could definitely confuse them a bit & make them temporarily stop laying. Also, their best egg-laying years will be the first two, so you should expect less eggs after that. Yes, if they get too many treats, they would be encouraged to eat less layer feed; although they don't have to have layer feed to lay eggs; they just need the extra calcium in layer feed to make nice, hard shells.

Since you got one today, you're probably right, and they're most likely back on track to begin laying again!