NO EGGS this winter in Nashville—a first!

[Nashville Hen Mom]

We have had a small flock of heavy-breed backyard hens for about five years. On October 11th, we lost our young Barred Rock, Millie, due to what appeared to be (after my amateur autopsy) internal laying. Since two weeks after her death, we have not gotten eggs from any of the remaining three hens. Two of them are five years old now, but the other one, a Buff Orpington, isn’t even two. All of the girls went through molts of varying degrees this fall, like they have in the past, but never started laying again after their feathers returned.

We keep track of daily laying and can verify that last winter at this time we were receiving at least an egg a day from this same flock (minus our deceased girl). We recently had a cold snap, but other than that, the winter has been mild. They are eating the same food, have the same coop, and continue to venture out every day to roam together in their very large yard. I provide fresh water daily, kitchen scraps, and occasional mealworms. They still seem happy (though they clearly miss Millie) and follow me everywhere and want to be picked up. No signs of poor health have been identified.

Can anyone think of anything that could be contributing to this egglessness? I enjoy the company of these ladies, but buying eggs after tending to them daily in the cold, wet weather has become a little annoying.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most of my older hens aren't currently laying either except for a sporadic egg here and there. I expect in another month or two most will fire back up, and those laying to pick up in production. I really don't expect a lot out of any hens over 3.

Sounds like it may be time for you to get a few replacements if you want more eggs. I would also recommend you make sure your hens get enough protein to optimize production. I recommend around 18% daily in a ration.

 

[sourland]

My gut says the old girls are just taking a break. Each year production diminishes. Degree depends upon the breed involved. Many folks add a couple of new pullets each year to maintain production as @oldhenlikesdogs has suggested. Your hens will lay again as day light period increases, but not as good as last year or the year before.

 

[Nashville Hen Mom]

Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, we are planning on getting two new hens this year. We were definitely spoiled before, though. The first three hens we had layed enough through the winter to keep us supplied with eggs year-round until they were three years old. Is it possible that there may be that much difference in production between Black Australorps/Rhode Island Reds and the Buff Orpington we have now?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

All hens can lay at different rates usually based on breeding. So even if you have 2 hens of the same breed they can lay differently.

In my experiences Australorp and RIR lay more up front where buff Orpington lay longer into their lives, but they definitely are all different.

The only thing I have come to rely on with chickens is they are predictably unpredictable.

 

[aart]

The only thing I have come to rely on with chickens is they are predictably unpredictable.

Yes!! I love this...so true!

 

[Nashville Hen Mom]

Finally got a beautiful egg this morning after a four month dry spell. Yay!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Congratulations. Finally.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

 

[rjohns39]

Great that you finally got an egg. I'm about an hour north of you and my girls (mostly young pullets) have been very unpredictable. My 2 year old girls lay fewer eggs, then in previous years. A few days ago, when the temps spiked up, we got a dozen, today we've gotten 1.