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Orpingtons suddenly no Laying Eggs

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by dasher, Apr 6, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Apr 6, 2009 #1
    dasher

    dasher Out Of The Brooder

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    Feb 5, 2009
    Grass Valley, California
    I have 4 hens who have just suddenly stopped laying. There has been no change in their food and they get plenty of water and somet able scraps. They are only about a year and a half. Why would they suddenly stop laying?
     
  3. Apr 6, 2009 #2
    cristy17

    cristy17 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    God's Country, Michigan's UP
    I have a leghorn hen that stopped also. She was an egg a day up until 2 - 3 weeks ago. Why do they do this?
     
  5. Apr 6, 2009 #3
    greenfamilyfarms

    greenfamilyfarms Big Pippin'

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    Feb 27, 2008
    Elizabethtown, NC
    Are they in molt?
     
  7. Apr 6, 2009 #4
    patandchickens

    patandchickens Flock Mistress

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    Apr 20, 2007
    Ontario, Canada
    You're sure they're actually not laying, as opposed to someone (hen, rat, larger predators) eating their eggs, or deciding to lay somewhere you don't know about?

    Good luck,

    Pat
     
  9. Apr 6, 2009 #5
    dasher

    dasher Out Of The Brooder

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    Feb 5, 2009
    Grass Valley, California
    Quote:Yes they are molting.
     
  11. Apr 6, 2009 #6
    JessaLynn

    JessaLynn Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Sandusky County,Ohio
    Quote:Yes they are molting.

    BINGO! That's why.From my experience when they are molting they stop laying for awhile.It's alot of stress on them and I have heard people withholding food and water to make them molt faster so egg laying would pick up.I don't recommend this!
     

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