Hen stopped laying

[certifiedchef]

My Easter Egger stopped laying about 3 weeks ago. We lost her 'BFF' hen a few weeks back, so we wonder if she is depressed about her bunk mate? We have 3 hens now, the RIR is laying regularly, the BarbRock very couple days - maybe? THey are all eating and drinking, combs seem a bit dry, birds seem a little thin with featherless bottoms. Iwill post a pictue this afternoon. ANy ideas?

 

[gritsar]

How old are they? Could they be molting?

 

[certifiedchef]

the hens are about 16 months old. If they are molting it started late winter/early spring.. I'm going out to get a few pictures

 

[gritsar]

I'll be sure to check back to see your pics.

 

[certifiedchef]

here are pics of the RIR. I do not see any mites. I do see feathers FINALLY growing in.

Her comb has black spots on it??

Her naked bottom?!

 

[gritsar]

The black spots on the comb are normal, however I wouldn't be able to hazard a guess as to what's going on with her bottom.

Here's hoping that someone comes along quickly to answer your ?

Good luck

 

[speckledhen]

Bare bottoms are common in their first big molt. Sometimes, the fluff takes forever to come back, too. I'd still dust them for mites/lice, just in case.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Could it be heat? My Delaware stopped for a bit too.

 

[certifiedchef]

Heat?! we are in the artic zone of sacramento california

First motling can take awhile is the best news I have heard all day!
What is the best way to dust for mites? wouldn't I see them - or signs of??

 

[certifiedchef]

should we put olive oil or moisture of some sort on the combs?