Why Aren't My Hens Laying Eggs?

[True Patriot]

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.

You may want to do a search of the area they range in. I'd bet you find hidden nests

 

[arhartman]

You may want to do a search of the area they range in. I'd bet you find hidden nests

I thought so too, we've always been able to find them before. They have access to probably 10 acres though, so it's possible we haven't found the right spot yet.

 

[MontanaChickDoc]

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.

I have pretty much figured out that I am pretty bad at finding hidden nests. They are just so easy to overlook! The dog is actually much better at finding them but good luck teaching a dog to find hidden nests. I wouldn't know how to go about it, myself.

 

[prettyladies]

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.

Thank you I will try this.

 

[prettyladies]

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.

Thank you. I have not done the fecal test yet.

 

[prettyladies]

I thought so too, we've always been able to find them before. They have access to probably 10 acres though, so it's possible we haven't found the right spot yet.

We have their coop in a large fenced off area in the back pasture to protect them from skunks. So at least we don't have to search very far.

 

[wyoDreamer]

My chickens are done laying their eggs by 10:00 am. Could you keep them locked in the coop where the egg boxes are located for a longer time in the morning? Maybe they will lay in the nest box so you can see how many are actually laying.

If they are not returning to the coop/nest box to lay their eggs, could you put one at the edge of the pasture for them? Don't know if they would use it, but it wouldn't hurt to try right?

 

[arhartman]

I have pretty much figured out that I am pretty bad at finding hidden nests. They are just so easy to overlook! The dog is actually much better at finding them but good luck teaching a dog to find hidden nests. I wouldn't know how to go about it, myself.

I don't know to teach that either, but I do have a pointer that brings me eggs when he finds them! He doesn't break them or anything unless I say "drop it". Then...splat.

My chickens are done laying their eggs by 10:00 am. Could you keep them locked in the coop where the egg boxes are located for a longer time in the morning? Maybe they will lay in the nest box so you can see how many are actually laying.

I could...they would be pretty mad at me as by 6am they are loud and feisty and wanting out, but it's something I've considered.

If they are not returning to the coop/nest box to lay their eggs, could you put one at the edge of the pasture for them? Don't know if they would use it, but it wouldn't hurt to try right?

That's a good idea! I'll give it a try.

 

[coach723]

My chickens are done laying their eggs by 10:00 am.

My chickens apparently did not get the memo, mine lay all day long. I have a pretty broad mix of age groups, so that may be why. I've only got about half my days eggs by 10AM.