hen stopped laying reliably

[Francesca Sutton]

I have 3 hens who have been laying reliably for several months, but one has become very sporadic, maybe one every few days, and it's been 3 days now. She was a bit broody, which lost her top spot in the pecking order, but we move her off and take eggs which she's ok with. She seems healthy enough, I've had a good feel and can't feel eggs stuck. I've given her a little food in coconut oil to help in case she's bound the other end. Any ideas what the problem could be? I'm not fussed about lack of eggs, but hate to think that she might be suffering at all.

 

[cmom]

If she has been broody that can make her stop laying.

 

[Francesca Sutton]

Her laying has definitely decreased, but her broodiness not increased if this make sense, she is fine not to sit on the nesting box, and doesn't go back to it. She's quite a chunky bird, and seems quite ok, just worried that it could be something bad underlying, or something I'm doing wrong.

 

[lbgreenfield]

I'm not sure where you are located, but is she getting ready to molt? Mine are starting to show signs of molting and their laying has decreased slightly.

Have you checked her over thoroughly for mites/lice/parasites? That might also be causing some underlying issues.

 

[Francesca Sutton]

I'm in the UK, it's late summer here. I'll keep checking for creepy crawlies, but found nothing so far, might give her a quick going over with some DE anyhow.

 

[lbgreenfield]

I'm in the UK, it's late summer here. I'll keep checking for creepy crawlies, but found nothing so far, might give her a quick going over with some DE anyhow.

Sounds like a plan, I'd keep consistently checking for mites/lice/parasites and keep checking for her being egg-bound. Hopefully she will continue to eat, drink, and poop normally. My hens tend to go in and out of lay for a variety of reasons, so just keep an eye on it all!

 

[Francesca Sutton]

Thanks for the reassurance all, I'll keep an eye on her, she is doing everything else normally so fingers crossed it's just a quirk or hers or easily resolved.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Adult birds in northern hemisphere are approaching molting season (all of my older hens have already begun) so laying will decrease or halt until days begin lengthening again.

 

[aart]

I have 3 hens who have been laying reliably for several months,

How old is she, in months?
Do you free range?

I'm in the UK, it's late summer here.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[cmom]

It is the time of year for the molt to start. I have been getting fewer eggs too recently. I did treat for flies. It also takes care of any other pests on the birds which can also affect their egg laying. Some mites only feed on the birds at night so you may not see any during the day. I use a headlamp and check the birds after they roost so I have both hands free to check the birds. Good luck...