Hens quit laying...help!

[erinmvan]

I have two hens that have just stopped laying! They are both around a year old. One is a Dominique, Pepper. The other, Trixie..not positive of the breed. Trixie pretty much just lays when she wants, she has stopped laying before, sometimes for weeks. Pepper was a late starter, we got our first egg from her in May, about 3 months ago, and hasn't really been consistent with her laying since she started. I've never found eggs in the yard, always in their coop. We have a decent sized, fenced in yard. They are able to free range the whole yard. I've also never found pieces of eggs, and I've scoured the entire yard looking for any trace of eggs..several times. They get layer pellets, as well as whatever they get from the yard, and sometimes treats. They are active and seem to be healthy. I haven't noticed any changes in behavior. I just cannot, for the life of me, figure out what's going on. I've added pictures of them and their coop. Any ideas?

 

[azygous]

Have you checked the coop for mites? They can come out at night and feast on the blood of your chickens, causing anemia, which can cause a cessation in laying.

To check for mites, go out after dark and run a damp paper towel over the roosts.

 

[erinmvan]

Have you checked the coop for mites?

I have not, but I will. Thanks

 

[Helloworld]

Is it hot?

 

[erinmvan]

Is it hot?

I would have to say it has definitely been hot more than not. The highs have been in the 90's most days. There's plenty of shade and the coop is well ventilated. Trixie has had spells where she quit laying even before it got hot.

 

[Thesweetbirdsflock]

I have two hens that have just stopped laying! They are both around a year old. One is a Dominique, Pepper. The other, Trixie..not positive of the breed. Trixie pretty much just lays when she wants, she has stopped laying before, sometimes for weeks. Pepper was a late starter, we got our first egg from her in May, about 3 months ago, and hasn't really been consistent with her laying since she started. I've never found eggs in the yard, always in their coop. We have a decent sized, fenced in yard. They are able to free range the whole yard. I've also never found pieces of eggs, and I've scoured the entire yard looking for any trace of eggs..several times. They get layer pellets, as well as whatever they get from the yard, and sometimes treats. They are active and seem to be healthy. I haven't noticed any changes in behavior. I just cannot, for the life of me, figure out what's going on. I've added pictures of them and their coop. Any ideas?
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They could be egg bound, but probably on their egg laying break. It’s a thing, if it gets to hot or to cold, they’ll quit laying. If they are on a break, you shouldn’t try to get them to start laying again.

 

[erinmvan]

They could be egg bound, but probably on their egg laying break. It’s a thing, if it gets to hot or to cold, they’ll quit laying. If they are on a break, you shouldn’t try to get them to start laying again.

I'm starting to think I may have the most picky hens! They sure do take a lot of breaks, if that's the case..I just can't figure them out.

 

[azygous]

Could you run out to the coop with a flashlight and check those perches? No time like the present, and then we'll all know.

 

[erinmvan]

Could you run out to the coop with a flashlight and check those perches? No time like the present, and then we'll all know.

Just checked & didn't see anything. I keep their coop pretty clean.. especially in the summer.

 

[azygous]

Thanks for running out and checking. We can rule out mites. Be thankful for that. Mites are miserable creatures to try to get rid of.

Are their layer pellets the highest percentage of their diet? Sometimes if too many treats are given, it dilutes the nutritional benefits of the commercial feed and there isn't enough protein to build eggs. What is the percentage of protein in the layer feed you are giving to your hens? What kind of treats and how often?