Some Chickens Have Stopped Laying

[NonaT]

I have 3 red sex link chickens and 3 black sex link chickens. I live in North Texas. Two of the black ones have not laid eggs in over two weeks. They are all about 8 months old. They seem fine otherwise. Any ideas as to why they might not be laying?

 

[1muttsfan]

This time of year a combination of days becoming shorter in length and natural tendency of birds to molt in the fall often causes hens to stop laying.

 

[1muttsfan]

And welcome to BYC

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi Nona!

Chickens don't usually molt until 16-18 months of age, but the shorter daylight hours can slow down or stop egg production. Sex links should however be good winter layers. Has there been any change or trauma that might put them off laying? If they're healthy and eating well, I'd just keep an eye. Good luck!

 

[NonaT]

I don't think there has been any trauma. The other 4 hens are laying just fine! I'll just keep watching them. My husbands keeps telling them to quit being freeloaders! LOL!!

 

[NonaT]

"husband" not "husbands"

 

[Mutt Farm]

Show them a nest box and a roasting pan, ask them which one they would rather "lay" in! Be sure they're not hiding eggs, that happens...

 

[NonaT]

That sounds like something my hubby would tell them! hahaha! I thought maybe they had decided to not lay in the nest box any more so I checked everywhere really well this afternoon. They don't free range, but have a large run. I appreciate all the idea coming!

 

[1muttsfan]

"husband" not "husbands"