Orpingtons suddenly no Laying Eggs

[dasher]

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?

 

[cristy17]

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?

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Are they in molt?

 

[patandchickens]

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

 

[dasher]

Quote:
Yes they are molting.

 

[JessaLynn]

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!