Why did my chickens stopped laying

[Rach85]

About 3 weeks ago my 4 older girls pretty much stoped laying, I was getting about 1 egg from each hen every other day to every day. Right now I’m Only getting 1 egg every other day, so I think only one hen is laying They turn 1 year old next month, so they aren’t actually that old. I have 3 younger girls that are about 5 months old that I merged into the group very slowly(over a 4 week period) and they all seem to be getting along pretty well, the older girls can be a bit pushy, but not terribly. My fourth hen(not pictured) went broody about a month ago, would that cause my other hens to stop laying? I was thinking it was due to light, I open their coop at about 6:30am, is that to late? I put a solar light in their coop at night in case that was the issue and also so If one should fall off it’s perch it can get back up. My other worry is that maybe my girls are a bit over weight, I’m not sure if that would cause this issue. All winter they were egg producing machines, maybe their bodies need a break? But isn’t it weird they choose the summer to not lay? We have mild summers here, right now high 70s some low 80s. Anyone’s insight is welcomed

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It can be normal for hens to take breaks this time of year. Production starts to become sporadic during the warmer summer months. Keeping hens on a higher protein ration can help to optimize laying.

Your hens are pretty. What breed are they?

 

[swamphiker]

Are some of your hens molting or do they just have some lighter-colored feathers mixed in on their backs?

 

[Rach85]

It can be normal for hens to take breaks this time of year. Production starts to become sporadic during the warmer summer months. Keeping hens on a higher protein ration can help to optimize laying.

Your hens are pretty. What breed are they?

I was worried maybe they get to much protein, because I mix laying pallets(16%) with feather fixer (18%) With some cracked corn thrown in and then they get a good helping of meal worms everyday. Our winters here get so so cold there are weeks that the nights will be in the -30s and the days don’t get much above 0, so I wanted them to have plenty during the winter, so I just started adding in some sunflower seed and oat into the mix because I was worried they would get way to fat. What ya think, did that mess something up?
Thank you! We love them. They are Blue copper Marans

 

[Rach85]

Are some of your hens molting or do they just have some lighter-colored feathers mixed in on their backs?

One of my girls looks like she might b

It can be normal for hens to take breaks this time of year. Production starts to become sporadic during the warmer summer months. Keeping hens on a higher protein ration can help to optimize laying.

Your hens are pretty. What breed are they?

Are some of your hens molting or do they just have some lighter-colored feathers mixed in on their backs?

Honestly I’m not sure what’s going on, especially on the one that has it more than the others. It’s not like normal molting, they don’t have bald spots, it’s just the under layer of supper fluffy feathers coming through the main feathers. What do you think? Im open to all suggestions, I just want my girls healthy and comfortable.

 

[swamphiker]

Honestly I’m not sure what’s going on, especially on the one that has it more than the others. It’s not like normal molting, they don’t have bald spots, it’s just the under layer of supper fluffy feathers coming through the main feathers. What do you think? Im open to all suggestions, I just want my girls healthy and comfortable.

I don't have the expertise to know, but if they are indeed molting it would be normal that egg production slows/ceases altogether. You know your chickens best, though, so if it doesn't look like normal molting, perhaps it isn't.

 

[Rach85]

I don't have the expertise to know, but if they are indeed molting it would be normal that egg production slows/ceases altogether. You know your chickens best, though, so if it doesn't look like normal molting, perhaps it isn't.

 

[wyoDreamer]

It sounds like you may be overfeeding them. Fat chickens will have more egg laying problems. I was feeding extra scratch and BOSS over winter and the birds did fine, but as soon as it warmed up, they got slower on laying. The 2 that were butchered to make room for new layers had so much inner fat that I think that was the problem.

Maybe cut back a little on the high protein and treats.

 

[LaFleche]

I agree with @wyoDreamer:

Marans get fat very easily and corn, mealworms, sunflower seeds etc. will fatten them up in no time. They might even get issues because the accumulated fat in the lower belly region can lead to egg binding.

Instead of the above mentioned treats you might want to feed them grated carrots with just a little germ oil and brewers yeast, adding some organic yoghurt.

 

[aart]

It sounds like you may be overfeeding them. Fat chickens will have more egg laying problems.

Just keep them on a decent chicken ration, cut out all the extras, and plenty of fresh plain water.

Do you free range?
Marans are not stellar layers.
They should not be molting yet, another couple-few months(aug-sept).

Is it hot where you are?
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!