Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
The most common reason chickens stop laying is reduced daylight. According to Penn State Extension, hens require about 14 hours of light per day to sustain regular egg production, and any drop below that signals their bodies to slow down or stop.
In Santa Cruz County, our winter daylight falls to roughly 9.5 hours in December. That alone is enough to pause laying in most breeds. But daylight is not the only factor. If your hens have stopped producing outside of the normal seasonal dip, there are several things to investigate.
Molting is a big one. Hens typically molt once a year, usually in late summer or fall, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. During a molt, a hen redirects protein and energy away from egg production entirely. This can last anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks depending on the bird. You will notice feather loss, bare patches, and pin feathers coming in. It looks rough, but it is normal.
Nutrition matters more than many flock keepers realize. Cornell University's poultry program notes that layer hens need 16 to 18 percent protein in their diet plus consistent access to calcium. If you have been supplementing heavily with scratch grains or kitchen scraps, your hens may be filling up on low-protein food and skipping the layer feed that keeps them producing. Offer oyster shell free-choice and make sure layer feed is the primary diet.
Stress is another common culprit. A predator visit (even an unsuccessful one), a new bird introduced to the flock, a dog that barks near the coop, or a sudden change in routine can all suppress laying for days or weeks. Here in Boulder Creek, nighttime predator pressure from raccoons and ringtail cats is a year-round reality. Even the sound of something testing your hardware cloth at 2 a.m. can stress your birds enough to affect production.
Age is the factor people least want to hear about. Most hens peak in their first year of laying and produce roughly 10 to 15 percent fewer eggs each year after that. A four-year-old hen may lay only half as many eggs as she did at one year old. This is gradual and normal.
Finally, check for hidden nests. Free-ranging hens sometimes find a quiet spot under a bush or behind a garden shed and lay there instead of in the nesting box.
This week: Make sure layer feed is the main food source (not scratch or scraps), confirm oyster shell is available free-choice, and do a quick walk around your yard to check for hidden nests.
