Why are my hens not laying?!?!

[U_Stormcrow]

are you in a valley there in NC, where you may be seeing a reduction in light already? Seems WAY early in the season for that, so I'm basically dismissing my own suggestion, but throwing it out there for completeness.

Like the others, more inclined to think some sly hiding may be occurring, if they've not all begun to molt at once.

 

[Owenp_2]

Theyrebprobably laying and hiding them. Mine do all the time

Where at?

 

[Owenp_2]

The heat could be a factor. Or just a natural break. Is it possible they’re laying somewhere else when out free ranging?

How long typically is a natural break?

 

[Owenp_2]

are you in a valley there in NC, where you may be seeing a reduction in light already? Seems WAY early in the season for that, so I'm basically dismissing my own suggestion, but throwing it out there for completeness.

Like the others, more inclined to think some sly hiding may be occurring, if they've not all begun to molt at once.

Umm no I am in the fields of NC right near the middle. What will molting do to affect them?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Molting is feather replacement - old feathers go, new feathers grow in. Its very hard on a bird, all their energy goes into that, instead of laying.

 

[sourland]

Sounds like it's time for a normal break in the laying cycle. They will very likely molt rest a bit and resume laying in a bit.

 

[aart]

Days are growing shorter fast now.
Birds 14-18 months will stop laying and molt.

 

[Owenp_2]

Molting is feather replacement - old feathers go, new feathers grow in. Its very hard on a bird, all their energy goes into that, instead of laying.

Oh okay well that explains why one hen who has been molting forever has not layed yet.

 

[Owenp_2]

Days are growing shorter fast now.
Birds 14-18 months will stop laying and molt.

Okay thank you!

 

[Owenp_2]

Sounds like it's time for a normal break in the laying cycle. They will very likely molt rest a bit and resume laying in a bit.

When would you say like early to mid fall?