Why no eggs for months

[nyumbakuku]

I have 6 hens age 3. they have always been good layers. But stating in August they began to reduce and have not laid an egg since the end of September. Their coop is heated and lighted. Any thoughts? Live in mid west so not terrible weather.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, what breeds are they? My 3 yo's did the same thing last year. Quit laying in August, went into molt, then the days got short and cold and I didn't see any eggs for months. I had about 20 hens. In late February I finally rigged a light in their coop and started giving them a little supplemental light to extend their days and by the end of March I was getting a few eggs, then more. They may have started laying by then anyway, idk. Good luck!

 

[nyumbakuku]

thanks you for your response. They are six different breeds, I will not give up hope that they will start again. I know they are warm, plenty of light, and spoiled. You give me hope.

 

[Mrs. K]

At 3 years, you will see an often time dramatic egg production loss. Probably prime production in July - August heads into molt, and then the short days, long nights...and you are months without eggs.

You might consider divide and conquer for next year, as in, remove a few birds, and add some pullets. Also look at either freezing eggs when productive or storing them in lime for the dark days of winter.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

I have 6 hens age 3. they have always been good layers. But stating in August they began to reduce and have not laid an egg since the end of September. Their coop is heated and lighted. Any thoughts? Live in mid west so not terrible weather.

Probably molted.
How much light(hours per day)?
Why heat if not terrible weather?