Why hens dont lay eggs

Added treats and scraps can dilute the nutrients in a complete layer feed so the hen is less able to produce eggs consistently. Laying hens need 38 nutrients for consistent health and performance.

Calcium is the most critical for laying hens; she must consume four grams of calcium each day. Complete layer feeds are formulated to provide everything hens need in the correct amounts, but if we provide too many treats, then those nutrients become diluted. Molt Around 18 months of age and annually after, chickens go through molt , which is defined as a period of feather loss and regrowth.

Molt usually occurs in autumn and is associated with a decrease in egg production. Molting chickens redirect their energy from laying eggs to growing feathers. This results in a brief break from egg production. Molt typically lasts eight to 16 weeks, depending on the bird. Once she has a new set of feathers, egg production should return to normal.

Hen age Chickens begin laying eggs between weeks of age and can lay eggs as long as her productive lifetime allows. Just like people, as birds age they tend to slow down. After that, the number of eggs produced each year declines until she retires. A hen can continue to be a valued member of your flock after her peak production has passed. Retired hens provide great companionship and often become leaders in their flocks, showing younger birds the ropes. From double yolkers, to soft shells, not eggs, to odd eggs, Chickenpedia cover it all!

All of their courses are really well structured and filled with vital knowledge, which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers! So, c heck out Chickenpedia today! If you are interested in reading about more way you can get more eggs from your laying hens, simply click here.

Sources and further reading. Just click the Request Help button and fill in the form. Ask an Expert. Thank you for joining our mailing list! All Rights Reserved. Menu 0. Continue Shopping Your Cart is Empty. Chicken Behavior. Not enough time in the sun Not all first time chook owners know that laying hens need plenty of time out in the sunshine, otherwise they are unable to produce their eggs.

Your girls might be getting a bit old Average laying hens will begin to produce fewer eggs once they are 72 weeks old. Disease and discomfort will stop eggs in their tracks There are a whole host of disease that laying hens can catch will often result in some terrible symptoms, which normally includes a reduction in egg production.

Disease include avian leukosis , lymphoid leukcosis and coccidiosis. Have a peck at the top 5 chicken health products I use to keep my hens happy and healthy. Are your ladies looking a little lacklustre? Have a peck at my top 3 reasons your chickens have stopped laying eggs! Eggs Raising Baby Chicks. What are they? In layman's Breeds Eggs Kids Corner. Chicken keeping is quite addictive and once bitten Chicken Behavior Chickens Protecting the Flock.

Roosters are a contentious issue among backyard chicken keepers. On the one hand, these charming chaps can be a huge benefit in keeping your flock Chickens Health Nutrition. To keep chickens happy, healthy and laying bounties of delicious eggs, they need to be fed a varied diet rich in protein and calcium- most Chicken Coops Chickens Eggs.

Time to peek inside those poultry nesting boxes and gather all the egg-ceptionally fresh eggs! Nature Taking Its Course There are many biological reasons that be the cause of reduced egg-production.

Egg-Bound Sometimes, our chickens are born with predisposed medical issues that can affect egg production. Broodiness Collecting your eggs everyday is important, otherwise your hens might become broody. Strung-Out Hens Stress can be a big issue for hens - not only can it affect their health, but it can definitely cause a slump or stop them laying eggs! Change in coop environment A change in a hens environment can cause egg production to slow or cease temporarily.

There are lots of easy ways to make your flock feel safe and keep laying behaviour normal: - Give them a secure, predator-proof coop to live in - If your chickens are in a run, it can be a good idea to grow some plants inside it. Seasonal Changes The environmental changes that winter brings can alter the biological reactions of your chickens - making them slow or stop their egg production. Winter When winter rolls around, the environmental changes cause a biological reaction in the chicken, which slows or stops their egg production.

Here are some common dietary problems that can cause a decrease in a hens egg production. Introduce all new feed gradually, over the course of the week rather than an immediate swap. Changing brands of feed Different brands of chicken feed can have varying levels of vitamins and nutrients. Sources and further reading. Related Articles An Animal Lovers Guide To Hemp Bedding by Backyard Chicken Coops January 08, Some animal lovers tend to underestimate the benefits of lining their coop, chicken run or pet enclosure with quality animal bedding, however, it is one of Are your ladies looking a little lacklustre?

Have a peck at my top 3 reasons your chickens have stopped laying eggs! Eggs Raising Baby Chicks. What are they? In layman's Breeds Eggs Kids Corner. Chicken keeping is quite addictive and once bitten Chicken Behavior Chickens Protecting the Flock. Roosters are a contentious issue among backyard chicken keepers. On the one hand, these charming chaps can be a huge benefit in keeping your flock Chickens Health Nutrition. To keep chickens happy, healthy and laying bounties of delicious eggs, they need to be fed a varied diet rich in protein and calcium- most Chicken Coops Chickens Eggs.

Time to peek inside those poultry nesting boxes and gather all the egg-ceptionally fresh eggs! This is truly the most egg-citing part of Chickens Plain and simple, the answer is no! Hens are one of the most captivating creatures on the face of the earth.