One hen hasn't laid an egg in two weeks?

[meandthegirls]

I'm new to the wonderful world of chickens, and just want to know what is normal. I have 4 hens, 2 Ameraucanas and 2 Silver Laced Wyns that are about 7 months old. About 2 weeks ago my Ameraucana (Dumpling) stopped laying eggs. The others have slowed down to 3 a week, but have not stopped laying.

There is no sign of molting or physical problems with her. However she doesn't seem as perky as the other hens. I'm not noticing others being mean to her, but she doesn't sleep on the perch with the others anymore and is always in the outskirts when the chickens are in the yard. Is she being ignored because she isn't laying? Is she depressed? Is there something I should be concerned about?

 

[Den in Penn]

Yes it is normal for them to take breaks. With the shorter days it is even more likely. The non production breeds like Ameraucans can take a couple weeks at a time. My EE lays for a couple of weeks then takes a break for a week or two. It sounds like she is the low hen in the pecking order, they often hang by themselves.

 

[meandthegirls]

Thank you for your response and advice...sometimes it's hard to figure out what is going on in the coop. The pecking thing is weird. I believe that Dumpling was #2 in the pecking order and Alfreda was #4 (being picked on and "pecked" on and sleeping off the perch) and now Dumpling is off the perch ...I guess they are no different than kids.

My husband had a funny perspective. I was feeling sad for Dumpling and worried and he responded, "She just moved in to management! Doesn't have to work (lay eggs) and isn't hanging out with those in a lower position! Heck, she is sleeping inside now and the others are still out!

 

[berly2]

My hen acted the same way. I found out too late that she was egg bound.She ate fine but didnt roost,didnt hang with others,and prefered to stay by me.this went on for 2 werks.then i noticed her poo was water. I then read up on it and eggbound was predicted. My poor Veronica died an hour later. Wish I wouldve fiquired it out sooner.good luck.

 

[RWise]

I use lights in the AM hours to get to 13.5 hours of light per day, this keeps some of my (younger) girls laying in the winter.

 

[aart]

I'm not noticing others being mean to her, but she doesn't sleep on the perch with the others anymore and is always in the outskirts when the chickens are in the yard. Is she being ignored because she isn't laying? Is she depressed?

How big is your coop, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics, inside and out, would help.
Is she still eating drinking pooping OK?
Is her stance and movement 'normal' when she does move?
Molting can make them act a bit lethargic new feathers can be uncomfortable and they may isolate themselves, that behavior can bring on some aggression for other birds.