My Hens Have Stopped Laying-help!!

[JUROBBINS]

hi! i have 3 regulars that have stopped laying. no change in food-they get pellets & free range during the day. also my spring roos started crowing last week-shouldn't the spring hens be laying now too?

 

[toetoe]

Is it possible they may be molting, thats one reason that 3 of mine have stopped laying.

 

[JUROBBINS]

like losing their feathers molting? nope...no feather loss other than Black Betty who seems to be my roo "Speedy" favorite right now...and that is only on her back. this has been going on for most of the summer...weird.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

Stress
Heat
Lack of Daylight
Molt
Trauma
Over breeding
Not enough cool water to drink
Egg bound (not likely in more than one at a time)
Broody


there are so many reasons that chickens stop laying, it could be any, all or none of these... mine do better when I provide plenty of cool, clean water, good layer pellets, and enough light.

 

[Amethyste]

Could be age if they are older hens...I know my older hens drop production somewhat. But its ok... I still love them even if no eggs

<ungrateful heathen birds> /sigh

 

[JUROBBINS]

heat maybe? i didn't have any issues last year with them though....stress from new "babies" getting old enough to lay too?? water is not an option between large waterer and the runoff from the central air unit they all seem to LOVE...esp. the ducks,lol. only 1 roo for all those girls, which is more than he had last year. any suggestions on anything i can try to do?

 

[JUROBBINS]

i wouldn't think the age, they are only 2 goin on 3....

 

[gritsar]

Free ranging hens?

Time to go on an easter egg hunt!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Do you have a dog who can get into the coop?

Mine love eggs and can be tricky.

 

[JUROBBINS]

yes free ranging...the dog can't get to them-he's contained and seems to prefer the guinea eggs when he is loose...another story for another time,lol!
i've checked the tall grasses...never had a problem with them not layin in the coop before. i think i will try to contain them to their fenced area/coop for the next few days and place some of my son's golf balls in the nests, just to see if it helps any.