My girls havent given me any eggs in about 2 months!!

[redhen]

What the heck is going on??

 

[kathyinmo]

Chickens hibernate, didn't ya know?
Taking a looooooonnnggggg winters nap (errrr, fall nap).

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Everybody eats more eggs this time of year. So the hens go on strike for more treats, fancier digs, fluffier nest boxes.


shhhh.... it's a consperacy..

 

[chick-george]

From what I can tell, most people who keep chickens use this laying "vacation" as a time to worm and medicate their flock. I'm hoping by spring everyone is healthy and ready to start earning their keep(or coop).

"

 

[Illia]

Some very likely reasons:


1 - Molting. Molting can take up to 3 months, and during that time, a hen will not lay. Often you notice it, sometimes you don't. (the feather loss, I mean)

2 - It's just that time of year. Most pullets/hens will take a 1-4 month break, and wait until the weather is right for her to begin again. I always encourage this and allow it with most of my girls, since it allows for much richer or darker colored eggs come the next spring.

3 - Stress, broodiness, predator problems, less protein, etc. These things will often cause one to stop laying for a while.

 

[PepsNick]

Above post. It's hard for people to answer you when you don't give us much information except for the problem. This should probably be moved to Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying. What are you giving them for protein? How much protein is in their feed?

Nick

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Its gotta be... The lil stinkers...

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

They are jealous of the new puppy

 

[redhen]

Quote:
It may be molting... i did notice that a few were looking like a molt a while back.,..
But they've feathered back in now.
I've had them a few winters now... this is the first time they've ALL completly stopped laying at the same time though. (my birds range in age from 3 years to 1 year old)
They have slowed down before... but never stopped totally laying for a couple of months before...
Its just strange...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they are getting proper nutrition and water then the following applies - Exactly how old are your birds and how old were they when they started laying. Someone with more experience tell me if I'm wrong but hens will normally moult the second winter. If they were hatched spring thru fall 09 they should be moulting now and not laying. If this is their first winter you probably haven't supplemented light. I added 2 hours light at the end of the day in October. I now add 4 hours, the light comes on when it gets dim about an hour before dusk and stays on 4 hours. Never had a dip in production. They were hatched in april and didn't start laying until I added light at 23 weeks.