Hens stopped laying

[TVidrine]

2 of my hens, one a white leghorn and the other an OE, have stopped laying going on about 2+ months now. Both birds made a year old this spring. Neither show any signs of molting. I did pick a "pullet egg" from the OE 2 weeks ago. Could it be they've molted/ still molting with very little feather loss? I'm located in Central Louisiana, could the heat be an issue?

 

[Chad Oftedal]

Higher heat than normal could play a factor. Do you free range them at all? There are lots of posts here on the forum where it's presumed they are not laying, only to discover that they've been quite secretive where they've actually been laying all along. If they're confined all day, then certainly that's a different case, but if they have regular chance to be roaming, any secluded place could be fair game.

 

[TVidrine]

Higher heat than normal could play a factor. Do you free range them at all? There are lots of posts here on the forum where it's presumed they are not laying, only to discover that they've been quite secretive where they've actually been laying all along. If they're confined all day, then certainly that's a different case, but if they have regular chance to be roaming, any secluded place could be fair game.

They do free range. I cover the property at least once a week looking for new hiding spots, as I have several other birds. Having the pullet egg from the OE is what led me to believe, at least, she molted and the feather loss was so minimal I never noticed.

 

[Chad Oftedal]

I see. Yeah, I'd keep checking for the spots - which it sounds like you are already. Are they getting supplemental feed besides what they free range with? For my setup, free range time is exercise and eat a few bugs, drink puddle water (ewww!) and enjoy a bit of relaxation for a couple hours. So, in my case, their food is primarily what I feed them in crumble and that is meeting the needs to lay eggs, etc. I'm just trying to throw out some ideas, maybe they are missing or low on a key nutrient? Maybe some calcium supplement on the side? It feels like given their age and you have others laying that something is just a bit off with these young ones.

 

[TVidrine]

I see. Yeah, I'd keep checking for the spots - which it sounds like you are already. Are they getting supplemental feed besides what they free range with? For my setup, free range time is exercise and eat a few bugs, drink puddle water (ewww!) and enjoy a bit of relaxation for a couple hours. So, in my case, their food is primarily what I feed them in crumble and that is meeting the needs to lay eggs, etc. I'm just trying to throw out some ideas, maybe they are missing or low on a key nutrient? Maybe some calcium supplement on the side? It feels like given their age and you have others laying that something is just a bit off with these young ones.

Supplemental feed is available 24 hours a day, Nutrena laying pellets. I appreciate the feedback. Like you, I believe it's just these birds. Hopefully once we start to cool down a bit business will pick back up. I've been scratching my head on this for a while and was hoping someone here had experienced a similar situation.

 

[aart]

Might be time for an exam:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then:
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.