Total stop of egg production

[gisbert]

my flock of 7 ladies went through a period of molting and the entire egg production stopped. I learned that's normal when they molt. The molting is over though but yet they haven't started laying a single egg. I haven't had an egg for 3 months now. The girls look great, eat well, behave like happy birds. But no eggs. The oldest one is only two years old. Does anybody have a clue what the reason for the total egg stop could be? I'm clueless.

 

[sourland]

Short day length is very likely a causative factor.

 

[gisbert]

thank you for your reply. I was thinking of that factor, too. But 3 months?...it seems unlikely, doesn't it.
they were all very productive hens. I know molting decreases egg productions. It just seems so strange that not even a single egg has been laid for so long.

 

[sourland]

What breeds do you have? How long ago was the molt finished? After a laying cycle (varies from breed to breed) some birds tend to take a break. Your hens will lay again, but when???

 

[gisbert]

They are different breeds (New Hampshire Reds, Bramas, Buff orphigtons, Aumericanas). They finished molting about 3 weeks ago)

 

[sourland]

Probably not uncommon that they are taking a break. It will actually lead to a longer productive lifetime. Sex links, leghorns and other high production breeds are less likely to take a 'break' but burn out earlier than the breeds that you have.

 

[rakers]

My flock of nine has almost totally stopped as well! I'm down to one egg a day if I'm lucky. I have two Rhode Islands, a Silky, two buff orpingtons and a few others I can't think of right now. Very worrying. Had to actually buy eggs!

The girls seem happy and healthy. I've had chickens for three years and this has never happened.

If you find anything out, please let me know! I'll do the same.

 

[gisbert]

I'll keep pampering them....every morning they get a protein boost in form of some yoghurt. I hope this is the calm before the storm...

 

[gisbert]

I was hoping that someone else would be dealing with the same problem. Now I believe they are just taking a break...as I mentioned..it is the "calm before the storm". Our girls are fine...they will pay you back in abundance. As long as they seem to be happy, eat well, all is good. I refuse to buy eggs....So I haven't had an egg dish for 3 months.....ha... they'll come back to normal...I pray...

 

[sourland]

Buy two dozen eggs, and they will start laying tomorrow.