HELP!!! Hens stopped laying

[saturner415]

Last fall my 3 buff orpingtons started their molt. They stopped laying during that time and during the winter. Then only one of them started to lay again but now has stopped AGAIN!! And my 2 sex links now have stopped laying. They have plenty of water, they have great laying feed, also have oyster shells on the side. They get yummy fresh fruits and vegetables all the time. No stress that I can think of. We think 2 of them had pox but it has cleared up. They are all only 2 years old. Any other suggestions?? Last summer we had eggs coming out of our ears. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Morrigan]

It's possible the sex links are starting their molt up. I'd be more concerned about the two who never resumed laying this year. That's usually a sign of reproductive problems. It might also just be a situation where the hens are stressed by some parasite or disease.

First thing I would do is check them for parasites. Go in the coop at night and look carefully around their vents for signs of mites or lice. Check under the roost bars for mites.

If that looks good, example their droppings to see if there is any evidence of worms You might consider taking to the vet for a fecal test.

 

[HappyFeetHens]

Egg eating may also be a factor. My chickens molted earlier his year and it seemed that few started laying again. However, they’ve gotten sloppy with their egg eating! I find wetness in the boxes from the eaten eggs, and sometimes they don’t eat the shells, whereas I believe they did before. I agree with the previous commenter; the two who haven’t laid in an extended period of time are probably of greater concern at this point.

 

[saturner415]

No mites that we can see. Their droppings are fine.
We have a camera in the coop so we can see if they are eating the eggs... they are not.
We are at a loss other than it being a hot summer and they may be a little stressed because of it.

 

[Morrigan]

Are there feathers in the coop? That's a good sign of molting.

Heat will also stress them, so that may be a factor.

I hope you get it sorted out.