Mysterious Lack of Eggs

[Dimetrex]

I have had chickens for about three years now, but I have seen nothing like this. My chickens (three roosters, one three year old hen, four two year old hens, and four eight month old hens who have strangely never laid) ceased laying. I know it's winter and laying slows, but this time it slowed from four eggs a day in the summer, to two, to one in early fall, and now none. There are no other places they are laying their eggs, I assure you. I have tried increased oyster shell in their food, more protein, and various other dietary tweaks; but all in vain. The only other possibilities are egg eating chickens or other animals, right? What should I do to receive eggs again?

 

[GreenSahara]

How do they look? Are many molting?

 

[theoldchick]

3 and 4 years old? They are way past their laying prime and have ceased production for the winter. As to why the two younger ones have not laid eggs yet is a mystery to me. It could be they are late starters, are not hens, or they have parasites. You could have egg eating chickens, or if they free range you can have a hidden nest some where.

 

[donrae]

Your older birds shouldn't be laying this time of year. They need the break in the winter, and they're of an age where overall laying is going to decrease also.

Your 8 month old birds could be laying, depending on what breed they are. Some breeds just aren't good layers. Some birds will just wait until spring. 8 months now means they hit point of lay in late Oct--they may just want more light.

 

[Dimetrex]

The younger chickens are Araucana hens. I could tell if they laid eggs brcause they are suppose to lay green ones as opposed to the rest of the flocks' brown. If old age is a major factor here, why is it that the four two-year-old hens have ceased as well? Once again in my experience the hens have layed quite well when they are one or two.

 

[Dimetrex]

How do they look? Are many molting?

Naw, none are molting. They are well feathered, active, and otherwise quite healthy.