Why have they stopped?

[mommto3kiddos]

Is it "normal" for 8 active layers of various ages to just stop laying? I have 3 hens over a year old, 4 that are 9 months old, & 1 little hen that is 4 months old. Up until about a month ago we were getting a half dozen eggs a day. Then I noticed two of the hens started molting & the egg numbers slowly declined. Now they have went a week without an egg. I also had 2 go broody about 2 months ago, but after kicking them off the nest a number of times they are no longer sitting..

Im just stumped. I know hens stop and start laying all the time, but all at once? My husband thought maybe they were laying in the yard when out rangeing, but I have searched everywere and have yet to find an egg.

Any IDeas.

 

[thebanthams]

Yes it happens! Molting is one, changed of weather , and did you changed their food? Sometime they will lay an egg if theres one in the box. put an fake egg or golf balls in the nest.

 

[mommto3kiddos]

That makes total sence (the ball in nest).. I cleaned the coop Thursday & this morning I could tell nobody had been inside the nest. They were laying ok up until the 2 broodys finally gave up. Guess since they weren't in the boxes anymore, everyone else said well stop too!

Thank you so much! See this is why I love this board! The little things I might not think about you others do!!