Hen isn't laying...

cwalker13

In the Brooder
Mar 26, 2018
9
3
29
We have four hens. Coming out of the winter three are laying (two never stopped) and our fourth hasn't laid an egg since October. We are in New York and have always had one or two eggs at least by this point from each hen. We don't have a lamp in the coop. The chickens spend most of the day foraging.
The hen seems normal otherwise...no colds, very active, no scratching etc. She is entering her second year.

What could it be???

Thanks!
 
I still have 4-5 about that age that haven't started up again for spring... as long as they are eating and drinking and otherwise acting and looking normal, I wouldn't worry too much.
 
The chickens spend most of the day foraging.
They may be laying out in range area.

Here's how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then you might want to....
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.
 

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