Flock totally stopped laying

[ted isaacs]

Before July flick of 22 was laying 18 a day

After it went to 5

Since then never had of 8.

Now it has been 2 eggs in last week.

They are 2 years old in feb.

Have not changed their food.

They are pasture raised 80’x136’

4’x24’ coop

Water every day

Help!?!?

 

[Hamiam]

What exactly are you feeding them, Where do you live, Are they molting, what breeds do you have?

 

[starrmar006]

my hens did the same thing, they stopped because its still winter, I only get 1 out of 28

 

[Blooie]

Welcome to BYC....glad to have you!

I know it's frustrating to have the egg cartons getting more and more sparse. If they were laying well before and nothing they eat has really changed, diet probably isn't the issue.

Chickens are living, breathing creatures. When production is high, we sometimes start thinking of them as Egg Pez Dispensers. But they need a time to rest up and replenish. Producing eggs, raising families (when they do) foraging, molting, trying to keep warm, competing for head hen - all of that takes energy and depletes valuable resources those little bodies need a chance to rebuild. The days of winter are naturally their signal that it's almost time for a little break. And they are funny critters....often times if one goes broody, a few more will, just because their bodies can be so in sync. Personally, I'd rather have to suffer through a carton or two of store bought eggs than lose a chicken to stress. Unless you have a real, identifiable and correctable problem with your flock, I think I'd just relax and give them a little down time. They certainly earn it!

Good luck with your flock!

 

[ted isaacs]

But their production has been low to nil for 6 months.

 

[The Phantom]

Mine have all stopped laying since the molted in November and now it is winter.

 

[ted isaacs]

What exactly are you feeding them, Where do you live, Are they molting, what breeds do you have?

They all mefium to very high production breeds
Ok nj giants
Reds
Delaware white

Feed laying hens pellets from tractor supply

Eldred pa
Yes it has been cold but on average 2-3 eggs a day from 18-20 and nine for past week.

 

[Hamiam]

They all mefium to very high production breeds
Ok nj giants
Reds
Delaware white

Feed laying hens pellets from tractor supply

Eldred pa
Yes it has been cold but on average 2-3 eggs a day from 18-20 and nine for past week.

It does seem strange that they stopped laying around August. Unless they were molting then & quickly the winter came with less sunlight.
Could they be hiding the eggs somewhere? Since its winter, are you restricting their outside time. If so, is it dark in the coop during the day?
Are they healthy, no lice, mites, parasites?
Do you free feed with a container of food always available? I like to feed Flock Raiser 20% protein with a container of oyster shell available for the Hens to self regulate calcium. My Hens tend to eat more of the crumble feed & aren't as excited about pellets. Make sure your not feeding a lot of snacks like hen scratch.
I agree with @Blooie, if they are healthy & feed well. This may just be their winter vacation.
Please keep us updated.
Vera

 

[Lauren Kim]

Do you feed them grit?

 

[Blooie]

it does seem odd for it to be so extended, but not unheard of. If they have a large free range area or other hidey-holes, have you looked for secret stashes?