Why aren't my hens laying?

[Deleon98]

If they're free range maybe they started laying outside somewhere. That's what mine started doing for the longest time but than again I have a small coop that needs an upgrading (#chickenmath). I would check a quiet place they hang out a lot.

 

[Madelyne618]

They do free range during the day, but usually stay near the house where it's cool, and the three eggs that I have gotten were layed at night. I'll start checking in the flower beds, though. Thanks!

 

[Coop de Grass]

Putting vinegar in the drinking water helps prevent heat exhaustion. It restores electrolytes. You could also use pickle juice too because it has the vinegar in it. The electrolytes in pickles are why women crave them during pregnancy. My hens have quit laying on me too. All except my lame hen who has her own wooden shipping box of shavings. One of my hens has chicks and she is moulting so that by the time she gets these chicks big enough she should be back to laying. I think it is the high humidity here in the South that is putting most of them off laying. That or the fact that I have had a pair of mated hawks move into my little hollow about two weeks ago. So far I have not had problems with them. They just circle the sky calling.I think they have a nest on the hill across the road from me. I think the stress of them and the heat/humidity that has thrown the chickens off laying.

I never knew that Apple Cider Vinegar had electrolytes! I started reading about it after your post. I knew that it was recommended for a variety of reasons, but missed the electrolyte part. I just bought the electrolyte powder and my chickens don't seem to like it.
Time to buy ACV.

It is also good for a variety of Human ailments but there are restrictions based on the amount you take, as well as particular medical conditions.

We have hawks as well, and have lost two pullets to hawks in the beginning. There is bird netting over the outer run and things seem to be ok. I was there when a hawk dropped down onto the girls when they were in the woods. It was above them on a branch, and just dropped. There was much screeching from them and yelling from me! Thankfully, everyone was fine.

I think the heat is the problem...

 

[Coop de Grass]

I am sure that you all subscribe to this site, but this was a recent post.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/11/why-arent-my-chickens-laying-eggs.html

 

[Madelyne618]

Thanks everyone! I got 1 more egg last night, and I think it was from my Partridge Cochin. But I definitely think its the heat.

 

[Coop de Grass]

Thanks everyone! I got 1 more egg last night, and I think it was from my Partridge Cochin. But I definitely think its the heat.

Congrats!

 

[Madelyne618]

My hens are definitely getting better at laying, I've gotten 4 more eggs!
They're all so small!

 

[Coop de Grass]

My hens are definitely getting better at laying, I've gotten 4 more eggs!
They're all so small!

Hurrah! Those must be pullet eggs! Congrats!

 

[Madelyne618]

Hurrah! Those must be pullet eggs! Congrats!

Thanks!

 

[Madelyne618]

If they're free range maybe they started laying outside somewhere. That's what mine started doing for the longest time but than again I have a small coop that needs an upgrading (#chickenmath). I would check a quiet place they hang out a lot.

You were right. I just found my Speckled Sussexs stash of about 20 eggs under a bush. She's in there right now laying one. Is there a way to tell if eggs are fresh or not? Thanks!