Not laying

[Kyle E]

I have had chickens for a year now and they layed good for a long time but now for the past four months I haven't gotten any eggs i thought maybe they were moulting but it shouldn't take that long I don't understand what is happening

 

[MedChicken]

There are a lot of things that could be going on here. Maybe they are molting. Maybe they are eating the eggs. Maybe something else (dog, raccoon, snake, bird, possum, human) is stealing the eggs. Maybe they are laying the eggs somewhere where you can't find them. Maybe they aren't getting enough protein in their diet. Maybe their eggs have paper-thin shells due to low calcium and they are getting trampled and mixed into the bedding. Maybe they are laying fewer eggs because of the shorter daylight hours. Maybe they are sick. Maybe it's a combination of several of the above.

I would take a good look at all of these to rule them out. If they free range, consider locking them in for a few days or a week so they can't hide their eggs. Check for spots where an egg thief might get in. Examine them closely for pin feathers, mites, worms, general health and appearance. Look at their eyes, feathers, feet, and combs. Feed them good, high-protein layer ration. Give them access to oyster shell or other supplemental calcium.

Sorry to be so broad, but without knowing what you've ruled out, it's hard to be specific. There is also a whole thread dedicated to the question of why hens might not lay.

 

[Kyle E]

Okay thanks I wasn't really sure but now you gave me some ideas to look for thanks.

 

[allpeepedout]

Sounds like they were moulting, and now it's winter, so insufficient light. At least that's the story mine are giving me.

Later in February, they say...

 

[Fred's Hens]

Your choice is to simply allow the lengthening days to take effect naturally or provide them with supplemental, pre-dawn light. It is a choice. We are only two weeks past the darkest day of the year.

 

[14chickmama]

I'm in Ohio and mine quit laying but only 1-2 a day then I put light in there coop and they lay 12 a day after 3 weeks of the light in there. I thought they were molting also but only one was loosing feathers!

 

[Kyle E]

I put a light in but it doesn't seem to help

 

[Fred's Hens]

How old are the birds? What breed are they?

 

[Kyle E]

Some buff Orps and mostly RIRS and like a year and a half

 

[Vamvakas]

Do you have a rooster? They will encourage chickens to lay.