Hens on strike?

[PowerHens]

We got a 3 month old pullet in the end of August, and our 3 hens have been very slow to warm up to her. Could stress be the reason they have stopped laying eggs? The past few weeks we are lucky to get one a day, but many days there are none. Looks like one of the girls is molting. Everyone seems normal otherwise. We had great egg production until the newbie arrived. Ideas?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hens stop laying this time of year to molt and recover, your older hens will all stop, than resume next year.

 

[phryan]

I have a similar issue and thought the same thing. I was getting about a dozen or more eggs a day from 18 hens and that dropped to about 2-3 a day for the past week. Forums conclusion is molt.

 

[cluckcluckhens]

Hens will stop laying in the fall around this time of year. Ours hasn't started molting yet. We are still getting eggs. We get between 3-5 everyday out of 7 Hens.

 

[kristaschics15]

Is egg laying based on temperature or length of daylight?

 

[enola]

The amount of daylight hours affect egg laying. Cold temperatures crack the eggs, but the hens keep laying.

 

[cluckcluckhens]

When our Hens were in their old coop they were fine. When we moved them to their new place they did quit laying for several days since it was a new place to them. I don't think they like change.

 

[PowerHens]

Thanks everyone. It has been really hot still but the days are getting shorter. They still haven't accepted the new girl in to the flock. Oh, the drama!