Hen stopped laying

[crsect]

Well one of my hens has stopped laying, has not laid an egg for over a week now. I am at a little bit of a loss to explain why. Lighting conditions are good plenty of feed and water I keep the pen clean. They eat healthily and appear to be in good spirits. I have a box in the pen with the full of wood shavings which they like to play in. I do intend to give them a proper dust bath soon. So any ideas or things I should check. They are eating 30% protein as well

 

[oktx]

Calcium? You can use the oyster shell for chickens or crushed up eggshells in the bath. They will peck at it and get the amount they need.

 

[bingrancher]

Are there alot of feathers in or around the cage? If so she might be doing her spring moult

 

[crsect]

There are a few yes but I thought this might be normal, its not excessive just a few here and there but they do seem to be preening allot.

 

[bingrancher]

Look them over for mites and things. Might be the problem too.

 

[tlstal]

all of mine coturnixs just went through moult they all quit laying for almost 4 weeks didn't think they would ever start laying again but all this week ive got an egg from each i guess patience really is a virtue

 

[crsect]

They appear fine healthy and in good spirits so I will give it time, our weather had been inconsistent got then cold maybe this had had an affect.

 

[cmtigger]

how old is she? Age can be a factor.

 

[crsect]

Age unknown bought 3 as breeding pair, at the time the man believed them to be around 4 to 5 months. The molting theory sees most logical at this point, however I am still open to suggestion.

 

[crsect]

For the sake of anyone trying to an answer this question themselves, it was molting plane and simple hope this helps.