Why have they stopped laying??

[Attila the Hen]

I have 4 Buff Orpington hens who are about 2 years old. I am getting one egg every couple of days and I think there is only one hen laying. The other 3 are on strike. I know it's been hot, but today was cooler and nothing.
All are eating very well--thank you and seem fit. There is not secret stash. I have looked. I am sure some eggs have been eaten by snakes. We seem to have a problem with black snakes this year. Don't see any mites and no noticeable worms in feces.
Any suggestions?

 

[sourland]

Age, heat, snakes, pre moulting break.

 

[off-grid hen]

Here is a link to the "sticky" at the top of this forum's page, with a few links that may have answers to your questions.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/423023/why-arent-my-chickens-laying-here-are-your-answers

Good luck!

 

[off-grid hen]

The Internet hiccuped and I double-posted. Oopsie.

 

[MonicaT]

Not a reply, but a similar question. I was getting two eggs a day from a Buff Orpington (18 months) two older hens, and my young Wyandotte. Yesterday and today: NOTHING. I looked all over the yard for hiding places. It's not warm here in Vallejo (the SF Bay Area). The waterer leaked and I didn't discover it until the end of the day yesterday. They've had lots of greens and the free range over a pretty good sized area. What happened????

 

[MonicaT]

Read all the articles and comments, but other than the water problem for one day, none of the conditions apply. I guess it's time to trim all the seedlings around the bases of the sequoia trees.

 

[off-grid hen]

Sometimes they take a couple of days off. I guess I'll repeat the BYC mantra, " Chickens are not vending machines".

 

[Attila the Hen]

Actually they have taken a few weeks off--not days. Only one hen seems to be laying although I got 2 eggs today. We don't depend on the eggs (I use to give alot away) and my only concern is that I am missing something and the hens may not be well. However, they seem well.
I really think snakes are eating the eggs. Just wondering if this breed have a reputation for not laying much after 2 years. None of this matters in the sense that we depend on them. They are pets with benefits.

 

[off-grid hen]

My second comment was more for the other poster, but I see what you mean. Are they broody or getting ready to be broody? Have they ever gone broody for you? I don't have any BOs but from surfing around BYC for a year and a half- this breed has a reputation!

I would keep and eye on them, and check for places a snake could in, then plug the hole? Sorry I can't be of more help. I do know that mine slow down a little in the heat.

 

[Cotton42]

I would guess that they are getting ready to molt, not to mention you're in GA and it is freakin' hot down there right now! I have a few girls laying but they have definitely slowed down in this 100+ degree heat.