Orpington Hens stopped laying

[deepseamark]

Hello,
We have 3 Orpington Hens that are 20 months old which were regular egg layers in the past, average of 2 a day.
A few months back we had a visit from a neighbouring rooster, he visited every day for 5 days and since then the hens have stopped laying. We now get 1 egg every 3rd or 4th day. The rooster no longer visits and the hens can not hear him. We were wondering if there Is there anything that we can do to encourage egg laying to start again?

Many Thanks

 

[chicklover 1998]

You can change their feed but this time of year they are still reacting to the lower light and if they are 20 they are over their top laying potential which is about 9-18 mo.

 

[deepseamark]

You can change their feed but this time of year they are still reacting to the lower light and if they are 20 they are over their top laying potential which is about 9-18 mo.

Apologies I should have said we are in New Zealand which means we are at the back end of summer so the light isn't an issue.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Have they been spooked if a hen gets scared sometimes they will really slow down or stop. but again it also goes back to their age they are past their top egg laying potential so that could still be a problem. You can also add where you are from by adding it into your profile, it helps so that other people know where you are from.

 

[newwestchick]

If it's fall in your area then they may be slowing down for winter - mine started to molt and stopped laying in September last year so perhaps they're reacting to the shorter days

 

[donrae]

20 months old, you're entering fall weather, sounds like molting season to me. Most birds molt around 18 months old, and take the winter off then resume again in spring. I think that's most likely what you're seeing. Nothing to do with a rooster.

 

[deepseamark]

Many thanks to all for your assistance

 

[peastix]

Hi Mark Welcome to BYC from another Aucklander.

Lots of knowledgable helpful people on here.I have orpingtons too. Best of luck Penny.

 

[aart]

If you're free ranging, they may be laying out in range area.
Coop 'em up for a week and see what you get.