Why Aren't My Hens Laying Eggs?

[prettyladies]

I have 11 chickens, one of which is a Rhode Island Red rooster. I have read some great advice on how to tame my feisty roo. Thanks. We bought 6 chickens originally in 2010, Three Black Astralorp, and three Blue Wyendotte. Two of my blue's unfortunately died by our dogs. We then bought three additional hens, one more Astralorp and two Speckled Wyandotte. One succumed to the head one summer. Our hens became more pets than layers and for food because of our daughters. They were so spoiled! But they were great layers! We used to get so many eggs. Then we moved a few years ago to a more rural, farm type community and our yard actually had an existing chicken coop like a shed. Our hens stressed a little bit but then they started to enjoy more roaming area and a chicken mansion. The next Spring after we moved we bought a mix of chicks. One Cuckoo Maran, a couple of bantams, some more speckled Wyandotte, and one ended up a RIR roo. Our girls handled them every day as they grew up. Including the roo. When they were ready they were moved out to the mansion. They got used to each other pretty well and established the pecking order. But then our rooster was old enough to start breeding with the hens. He was so rough on them and tore their feathers and their crowns horribly. My hens were naked on their backs and looked horrible. I was still getting eggs for the most part. I read that the RIR roo can mellow out and get better at mounting so they don't tear out so many feathers. It's good to see my hens looking better.

It is the second summer and I am not getting more than one egg a day now from any of the hens. I know my original hens are getting old and may not be laying anymore except one of them. But I am not getting any eggs from my 2 year olds! I am totally stumped as to why they are not laying. I have checked for parasites, it has been crazy hot so I don't know if this is it? I have looked at other options. I have even asked to make sure I am feeding them good food. I haven't received more than 1 to 2 eggs a day for about 6 months.

Do you have any advice? Thanks so much

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Including your general location will assist the experts in providing relevant advice.

 

[coach723]

Agreed, knowing in general where you are can help.
A few general thoughts:
Have you had a fecal test done to check for internal parasites? That could impact laying.
Could they be going into molt or have been molting? Sometimes it's such a soft molt it may not be noticed.
If it has been very hot that can put them off lay, or slow it way down, any kind of stress can do that also, even a predator hanging around the coop at night.
The older they get, the longer it takes for the body to make eggs, so they will slowly get farther and farther apart until they stop. When hens get older the amount of time they take to begin laying again after molt, or going off for the winter can also get longer.
If they all seem healthy and happy, then I would not worry too much, but would test for internal parasites if you have not.

 

[True Patriot]

Coach pretty much covered everything. The only thing I can think of to add is make sure they are getting proper feed. Protein is a major factor in egg production. If they lack the building blocks to make the eggs in their diet it will cause problems. What feed are you giving? include treats and supplements

 

[prettyladies]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Including your general location will assist the experts in providing relevant advice.

I am in Ogden Valley in Utah.

 

[prettyladies]

Coach pretty much covered everything. The only thing I can think of to add is make sure they are getting proper feed. Protein is a major factor in egg production. If they lack the building blocks to make the eggs in their diet it will cause problems. What feed are you giving? include treats and supplements

I am using an IFA 20% Laying Pellet. I also provide a scratch treat mix. They get lots and lots of table scraps. We are careful to make sure we are not giving them anything that will harm their systems.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
As a general rule keep treats to no more than 10% of their total diet. You might want to try backing off the scratch and table scraps for a bit and see if egg production improves. I would also suggest following coach's advice.

 

[True Patriot]

I am using an IFA 20% Laying Pellet. I also provide a scratch treat mix. They get lots and lots of table scraps. We are careful to make sure we are not giving them anything that will harm their systems.

Try reducing or eliminating anything but the layer feed for a week to see if that helps. It's not that you would intentionally feed them something wrong, but if they get full on other things they may not be getting what they need.

 

[coach723]

Agree with previous posts. Even 'good treats' can diminish the total protein they are taking in. It's VERY easy to over-treat, and yes, they love it.

 

[arhartman]

Going to follow along, I'm in a similar situation, I have 2 - 2 yr old EEs that should be laying, but I can't find any of their eggs. They free range, so treats are plenty, as well as are hiding spots for eggs. Usually I can find them if I look hard and long enough, but I've searched high and low with no luck...

I have an Australorp that's laying, a rooster, and 2 5-mo old chicks with my two EEs.