Why have my hens stopped laying?

[referencewench]

A sandy soil like that may not have the size particle that they want for Grit. I have watched a chicken at the grit scratching through the pile for minutes to find that special piece of grit that is the size and shape that she wants.

This just gave me such an aha! moment. We moved to this house just over a year ago. Our previous yard was all gravel. I think when we moved, I didn't think about that change. Putting a pan of grit out this morning.

I sure hope that's it. Will report back.
Thank you!

 

[referencewench]

Well it's been a couple weeks, so I wanted to follow-up. They definitely like having the grit, so it helped overall with how much they are eating (a lot more). We get 1 egg every other day. They are now ALL molting now even though it's still in the 60s and 70s here every day. Normally they start in November, but it's been a weird summer, so who knows!?

Thank you all for your help and advice!

 

[aart]

They are now ALL molting now even though it's still in the 60s and 70s here every day. Normally they start in November, but it's been a weird summer, so who knows!?

Molting is triggered by the length of daylight not the temps.
Mine start in late August/early Sept.