Hens stopped laying

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hopedwelling

hopedwelling

Hatching
Sep 5, 2015
2
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Hi!

New to BYC :) happy to be a part of this community.

We are newer chicken owners in the Palm Springs/SoCal area. We have 3 hens re-homed to us in June by a friend who couldn't keep them (Rhode Osland Red, Australorp and a EE that lays grey eggs lol). We also have chicks hatched three days ago - 2 red brown Ameraucana and 1 barred rock.

Our hens are about 2 years old; after about a month of getting acclimated to thier new home they were laying regularly but have completely stopped - all at the same time - in the last few weeks. The EE is noticeably molting so I know why she stopped but I'm confused about the others. Maybe the heat? I just got some crushed oyster shells for them and read something on here about cat food for protein?? Right now they are eating an organic feed/scratch plus all kinds of fresh produce and ocassional table scraps. They seem happy otherwise.
 
Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

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Hens will stop laying for a variety of reasons... molting, broody, internal or external parasites, dietary limitations, stress, etc. It is possible that your other 2 hens are also getting ready to molt as this seems to be the time of year they like to do that. Be sure to also check them over for any signs of parasites and determine if they are under any stress that would impact them. Then be sure to also look at their diet. Most layer feed is around 16% protein so make sure that yours are getting that. Then look at all the supplemental feed they are getting. Any scratch, produce or table scraps they get should only account for about 10% of their diet (or what they can collectively eat in about 10-15 minutes per day). Any more than that and they are likely not getting enough protein from their layer feed. I also make sure my hens have 24/7 access to grit and oyster shell. An occasional can of cat food is okay for added protein, but beware that they tend to contain excess salt which can also reduce rate of lay. You can also consider other protein sources such as scrambled eggs and yogurt if you want a lower salt content. Added protein can also help your molting hen replenish her feathers a little quicker.

Good luck!
 
Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

@trailrider330 has given you some good advice. Since it's molting season and the light hours are starting to decrease, it's normal for hens to slow down on their laying duties. Cat food is a good source of protein, yes. Other protein filled foods include: oatmeal, eggs, meat scraps, quinoa, corn, dry dog food, peas, tuna fish, black oil sunflower seeds or soybean meal. Here's a link on molting chickens you might want to read too. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/what-happens-when-chickens-molt

Good luck and welcome!
 
If the weather is too hot try: a fan, put water on their dry food and give them cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc. to keep them hydrated. Extra protein (Mealworms) to help grow new feathers. Funny they stopped laying at the same exact time. Have you changed something? Like their bedding or feed? If something scares them bad enough they will stop laying.
 

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