Hens not laying

[Mahlea23]

My hens are singing the egg song 4 times a day for 5 days but no egg. They started laying July 5 th. I got one egg a day from 3 hens for 8 days. Now nothing. Are they broody?
Thanks Mahlea

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to byc, Mahlea.
Have you checked for hiding places? If there is a hidden spot that they can get to, they will do so.
Also, if they are not kept in a very secure run, look for signs of rats or snakes. Even squirrels will still eggs.

 

[Mahlea23]

I have checked. I have been there when they were in the nesting box and I checked as soon as they sang the song and there was no egg

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Welcome to Backyard Chickens! Enjoy your time here.

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[CoopBoots]

My hens are singing the egg song 4 times a day for 5 days but no egg. They started laying July 5 th. I got one egg a day from 3 hens for 8 days. Now nothing. Are they broody?
Thanks Mahlea

Welcome to the forums!

Unless you have a girl sitting in a nesting area most of the day, protecting that spot and trying to keep you and the other pullets away, I doubt any are broody.

I'd watch them closely and keep in mind they only started laying recently. I would not expect a lot of regularity at first. The "egg song" doesn't always mean an egg either, but more generally can mean the bird wants the attention of you/another bird for safety and reassurance after being alone for a longer period than usual.

 

[sourland]

Hello, Mahlea, and welcome to BYC. At the beginning of a laying cycle, production can be sporadic.

 

[FrostRanger]

Welcome!

In addition to new layers being inconsistent, if it's been very hot that can also throw off laying as the heat will stress them out

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC, Mahlea!

I agree with @FrostRanger that heat can definitely impact the laying of eggs. We installed an air conditioner in our breeding coop a few weeks ago, and it appears to be helping.

Newer layers can be irregular and unpredictable too, but it doesn't last forever. Usually, it's a year or so for our silkies.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.