My hens aren't laying

[Jbug799]

As y'all know I'm new to raising chickens! I have 4 hens around 2 years old. 2 Australorps and 2 Rhode Island reds. Ever since they started laying we have gotten at least 2 a day mostly 3 and sometimes even 4. Lately we have gotten 1 or none! Help! Hubs is ready to put them in the pot!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately hens start to slow down after that initial spring rush. Only the best layer breeds will continue to lay steady until the fall molt. In another month we will hit the summer solstice and daylight will decrease, along with hormones. The heat of summer will also cause some to take breaks, and production to slow. At 2 years old your hens are also reaching their peak. They will continue to lay but each year will lay less and less.

 

[Jbug799]

Thanks for your a answer. I suspected something like that from all I've read. So they may or may not start laying again?

 

[nuthatched]

What is their diet? 2 years is when they slow down, but it shouldn't stop completely.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

As y'all know I'm new to raising chickens! I have 4 hens around 2 years old. 2 Australorps and 2 Rhode Island reds. Ever since they started laying we have gotten at least 2 a day mostly 3 and sometimes even 4. Lately we have gotten 1 or none! Help! Hubs is ready to put them in the pot!

I know one of my young hens (3yo buff orp) stopped laying for about a month, and has just started laying again. Sometimes chickens just take big breaks, especially if they are usually really good layers. They need the rest sometimes.
It could also be their diet or stress? What do they eat? Have you been having any predators like dogs, hawks, cats, etc. trying to get at them? Even if they weren't hurt, having animals harassing them (even through a wall) can defiantly stop egg laying for a bit.

 

[Yardmom]

When you say they have been laying all along does that include winter? What part of the world are you in? What is your current weather? Your hens are taking a break. They will lay again. How soon may depend on the answers to the questions above.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks for your a answer. I suspected something like that from all I've read. So they may or may not start laying again?

They should start up again. Some of mine lay for a bit than stop for a bit.