Hens stopped laying

[PowerPaws]

I have 6 hens--they have a protected yard and coop available to them at all times and are allowed free access to our 3 acres. We live in the Blue Ridge Mnts. on a mountain side. They range in ages from 2 1/2 to 1 year. 3 months ago they all stopped laying. 2 went into a molt but the rest are not molting. One has a pale comb (she just came out of her molt). 3 months ago two things happened; my husband went into the hospital causing a bit of an upset at the house (he's fine now) and a young fox chased the flock but did not catch anyone. It was also worming time so they got wormed about 2 months ago. I treat the yard with Saturday Lime and DE and put a bit of apple cider vinegar in their water. They have a healthy diet and kitchen scraps. Their vents are clean and clear. No sign of mites. Any ideas of what may be going on with the girls? They seem healthy otherwise.

 

[CCsGarden]

Welcome to BYC!!
I'm very sorry about your hens!! I hope someone can help you soon

 

[Jenbirdee]

my hens stopped a couple months ago when they started molting. And now we’re going into the darkest weeks of the year., therefore I don’t really expect any eggs until the days get a little longer ( maybe february?)
but my ducks are still laying lol

 

[Jenbirdee]

i just looked this up and did some math. I have English chocolate Orpington hens- and so if they don’t lay an egg for four months that’s 365-120 which equals 245 and according to the chart that’s about right .
what breeds are your hens? Try looking up their average egg laying number per year.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!! I got two eggs today. Usually I get 6-8. That's normal as they always slow down to about half or less in the winter as they always take a break, but like @Jenbirdee said, February or so they'll start up again.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

Shortened days and stress will keep them from laying.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

Shortened days and stress will keep them from laying.

This is likely the cause of the reduction in egg laying.

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @PowerPaws

I hope you got the answer to your question.

Welcome!

 

[MAT10]

So, 5 new hens added in Feb.
1 Silverlace Wyandotte, Oreo
1 Red Sexlink, Honey
1 Salmon Favorelle, Biscuit
1 Black Australorp, Misha
1 Black Copper Maran, Mara
Stopped laying:
BCM 11/19th, no molt
B Australorp Oct, no molt
SLW, Oct, no molt
What is going on????

My Buff Orpington still not layed since Sep.
My only regulars are WLH, RSL, RIR & SF....my EE is just finishing up her molt.
RSL & Faverole are 9 months old.
WLH & RIR are 18 months old...& still layed thru their molt.

So confused. Thought we'd have eggs like crazy.
Does anyone out there have answers? I get the shorter days but these are young girls & my first flock barely slowed down during winter of 2022.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Here is an article you might stop by on the many reasons hens stop laying... https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-are-my-hens-not-laying.64564/

Good luck with your flock!