Two hens stopped laying but act like they are! What's up?

[Hillbilly Texan]

I have 29 hens of various breeds. A silver laced wyandotte and a RIR haven't laid an egg in several weeks; both are 17 months old. It's still summer-like here in Texas - as a matter of fact egg production has actually increased as we have finally gotten a break from the record highs this year. However, these particular hens get on the nest everyday as if to lay, stay on the nest the appropriate amount of time, leave and cackle as though they just laid eggs but NO EGGS!

I have tried searching for different things that could cause this. Neither act egg bound, both eat and drink normally, and forage with the rest of the flock. The rest of the flock is laying great. Any suggestions?

 

[Littlesilver87]

Are they just broody? Trying to hatch the others’ eggs?

 

[Hillbilly Texan]

Are they just broody? Trying to hatch the others’ eggs?

Not broody. I'm dealing with those too. In addition, they don't attempt to get on nests that have eggs in them as broodies do. They still lay in their favorite nest boxes.

 

[MROO]

Are you sure these particular hens have been laying? They may just be playing "monkey-see-monkey-do." Check to make sure they aren't egg-bound or don't have any other issues (mites, worms, etc.) If you find a problem before they actually get sick from it, you may save yourself a ton of headache ... and a few hens, too!

 

[RoosterThigh]

I have 29 hens of various breeds. A silver laced wyandotte and a RIR haven't laid an egg in several weeks; both are 17 months old. It's still summer-like here in Texas - as a matter of fact egg production has actually increased as we have finally gotten a break from the record highs this year. However, these particular hens get on the nest everyday as if to lay, stay on the nest the appropriate amount of time, leave and cackle as though they just laid eggs but NO EGGS!

I have tried searching for different things that could cause this. Neither act egg bound, both eat and drink normally, and forage with the rest of the flock. The rest of the flock is laying great. Any suggestions?

I would love to know the answer, I'm having this same issue with about 3 of my hens. They haven't laid an egg in weeks now. They act like they do and are exactly as you describe, staying on nest for appropriate time and then doing the egg song like they've laid an egg. I have waited for them and followed them afterwards but they aren't going anywhere to lay but the coop.

 

[sourland]

They are the age, and it's the time of year where some hens will take a break in the laying cycle. Many will go through a molt before starting to lay again.

 

[RoosterThigh]

They are not moulting yet. I have 2 hens that this has gone on now for over a month. No broodiness and no molting.

 

[Hillbilly Texan]

Are you sure these particular hens have been laying? They may just be playing "monkey-see-monkey-do." Check to make sure they aren't egg-bound or don't have any other issues (mites, worms, etc.) If you find a problem before they actually get sick from it, you may save yourself a ton of headache ... and a few hens, too!

I do know for sure that they were laying. I monitor my laying hens closely for laying rate, egg size, and quality. I am confident they aren't egg bound.

My next step was to take a fecal sample to vet for analysis but thought I would see issues with more than just 2 hens if it were internal parasites and/or mites.

 

[Hillbilly Texan]

They are the age, and it's the time of year where some hens will take a break in the laying cycle. Many will go through a molt before starting to lay again.

Even if I'm not seeing any feather loss? I know molting is controlled by daylight hours but I add artificial light and temps in Texas are still summer like: mid-80's today, 90's yesterday. Everyone I've spoken with in the area is talking about how production is finally up after the drop in temps from the 100's everyday.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

My girls aren't laying as frequently as they once were. I just contributed this to the fact that it's been so hot lately and some of my girls have started to molt. Can't wait to hear the outcome. I hope that it's nothing more than weather or they're in the process of molting...sure would hate to hear they're sick. Good luck!