No more Eggs

[ChristaB101]

My 5 new hens (19 week old pullets) were each laying one egg a day when I got them. About 1 ½ week later they stopped laying. i get maybe 1 or at the most 2 eggs a day. I double checked the feed bag. made sure water was fresh daily, give them a little scratch, and no signs of predators (like raccoons) Basically the same as I do every spring.
Never had this happen. I'm confused. Any suggestions out there?

 

[snood dude]

What breed are they?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum glad you joined.

A typical reason is the molt but unless you are seeing a lot of feathers flying around that is highly unlikely.

Another very common reason (and my top suspect) is that they are hiding a nest on you. They can be really sneaky about that, even if you think they don't have good hiding places. This sounds like something a bunch of pullets would do.

Many different things like to eat eggs. Most of them leave clues behind, either egg shells or wet spots. So check very closely for evidence. I don't know where you are located but since you mentioned raccoons I'd guess North America. The typical critters that take eggs without leaving a trace are snakes, canines, and humans. If it is consistent it is not a snake. A snake eats some eggs then disappears for a few days t digest them, then comes back for more.

Most canines like a fox or coyote would most likely be more interested in a chicken dinner instead of an egg dinner so it's probably not them. However a dog will sometimes eat an egg but not bother chickens. Does a dog have access?

A human doesn't have to be a thief, some think a practical joke like this is funny.

So what can you do? If yours free range maybe lock them in the coop only or more likely coop/run for a few days. If eggs show up you either stopped them from laying in a hidden nest or you locked out an egg eating predator. Or you can mark a couple of real eggs and leave hem down there for a few days. If they disappear you now something is getting them.

Good luck, this stuff can be frustrating. And once again,

 

[Kiki]

My 5 new hens (19 week old pullets) were each laying one egg a day when I got them. About 1 ½ week later they stopped laying. i get maybe 1 or at the most 2 eggs a day. I double checked the feed bag. made sure water was fresh daily, give them a little scratch, and no signs of predators (like raccoons) Basically the same as I do every spring.
Never had this happen. I'm confused. Any suggestions out there?

What feed are you using?
Exactly how much scratch do you give each day?

 

[ChristaB101]

What feed are you using?
Exactly how much scratch do you give each day?

I feed them layer pellets From our local feed store. As for scratch I give them 2 handfuls a day

 

[Sheepheart]

Is it possible they are molting or starting to? I had some ducks and right when they should have been all laying they went into molt.

 

[Kiki]

I feed them layer pellets From our local feed store. As for scratch I give them 2 handfuls a day

How long have you had them?

 

[aart]

If yours free range maybe lock them in the coop only or more likely coop/run for a few days. If eggs show up you either stopped them from laying in a hidden nest or you locked out an egg eating predator. Or you can mark a couple of real eggs and leave hem down there for a few days. If they disappear you now something is getting them.

This^^^