Young hen stopped laying

[Karasoba]

New chicken owner here...
I have an 8 mo old Barred Rock (have owned her for 2 months) that was laying an egg every other day but hasn’t laid one now for 2 weeks. She’s not walking funny, she’s active and eats, drinks, and forages like normal. I tried feeling for an extended or tight ‘belly’ and nothing seems unusual. Should I be concerned? Closest avian vet is about 2 hours away and I’d rather not stress her by driving so far unless I need to. Input? Thanks!

 

[Sambi89]

Do you free range? Could she be hiding her egg? Have you had very gloomy weather as of late?

 

[rosemarythyme]

She's a young layer so I'd expect some inconsistencies in her laying schedule. If she's acting normally I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Karasoba]

Do you free range? Could she be hiding her egg? Have you had very gloomy weather as of late?

Yes, she free ranges and we have had gloomy weather. On a few really cold nights I left their heat lamp on 24 hours while I monitored the temp in their coop. Maybe too much light?!? I’ll look outside for hidden eggs; I sifted through all the bedding in the entire coop each day (I clean up droppings daily) but haven’t found any. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[mowin]

I've had a couple of my 8 month old poults molt. Didn't get a egg from them for 4 months.

 

[aart]

On a few really cold nights I left their heat lamp on 24 hours while I monitored the temp in their coop. Maybe too much light?!?

Yes, could very well be the light threw off her cycle.
How cold where you live?(see below)

Yes, she free ranges

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Karasoba]

Yes, could very well be the light threw off her cycle.
How cold where you live?(see below)


Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2041111

Illinois. BUT, after a considerable amount of praying—-WE GOT AN EGG TODAY! Yippee!