Why have our hens stopped laying?

[PioneerPrincess]

Hello. We have seven hens who hatched in November 2008 and three hens who hatched January 2009. In August we were beginning to get very little eggs and now we don't get any. Are they molting? If so how often do they molt? How long does it take for them to molt? Do roosters molt too? Why do chickens need to molt? We have also found lots of feathers inside and outside the coop. Also, one of our hens has a bald patch on her back. Do you think this is caused by roosters or is it molting? Thank you for your help for our many questions!

 

[Beekissed]

Hello. We have seven hens who hatched in November 2008 and three hens who hatched January 2009. In August we were beginning to get very little eggs and now we don't get any. Are they molting? If so how often do they molt? How long does it take for them to molt? Do roosters molt too? Why do chickens need to molt? We have also found lots of feathers inside and outside the coop. Also, one of our hens has a bald patch on her back. Do you think this is caused by roosters or is it molting? Thank you for your help for our many questions!

It sounds as if they are indeed moulting.

Moulting time varies from chicken to chicken and it can last anywhere from 1-4 months, depending on the chicken.

They should moult once a year, usually in Aug. or Sept., when it's the most hot out.

Roosters moult also but not as badly as the hens.

The chickens moult because of hormonal changes.

Your bald hen could be moulting AND/or have a little roo wear on her back.

Egg laying can slow down during this time due to these hormonal changes.