Do you have chickens in your backyard? Are they usually good at giving you eggs, but now they’ve stopped, or maybe they’re giving you fewer eggs than before? Don’t worry! Chickens sometimes take breaks or face problems that stop them from laying eggs. The good news is, you can help them get back on track.
Let’s look at 9 reasons why chickens might stop laying eggs and learn how you can fix these problems so you can enjoy collecting fresh eggs again!
1. Your Chickens Are Too Young or Too Old
Chickens don’t start laying eggs right away. They usually begin when they are about 5 to 6 months old. If your chickens are younger than that, they might just need more time.
On the other hand, older chickens—those over 4 or 5 years old—might lay fewer eggs or stop altogether. Chickens slow down as they age, just like people slow down when they get older.
How to Fix It:
- For Young Chickens: Be patient! Give them time to grow up.
- For Older Chickens: Let them enjoy their retirement. They can still be great companions and help eat bugs in your yard.
2. It’s Not the Right Season
Chickens lay the most eggs when the days are long, warm, and sunny—like in spring and summer. During fall and winter, when it’s colder and darker, chickens naturally lay fewer eggs or stop laying altogether.
Chickens need sunlight to trigger their egg-laying. Less light = fewer eggs!
How to Fix It:
- Make sure your chickens get at least 14 hours of light each day. If it’s winter, you can add a safe, low-wattage light in their coop to mimic the sun.
3. They’re Molting (Losing Feathers)
Chickens lose their old feathers and grow new ones every year in a process called molting. This takes a lot of energy, so they often stop laying eggs during this time. It’s like taking a break to recharge!
Molting usually happens in the fall and lasts about 8 to 12 weeks.
How to Fix It:
- Feed your chickens extra protein-rich snacks, like mealworms or scrambled eggs, to help them grow their new feathers faster.
- Be patient—once they’re done molting, they’ll start laying eggs again.
4. They’re Stressed Out
Chickens are sensitive animals. If something scares or bothers them, they might stop laying eggs. Common stressors include:
- Predators, like foxes or hawks, hanging around.
- Loud noises or changes in their environment.
- Moving them to a new coop or introducing new chickens to the flock.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure their coop is safe and secure from predators.
- Keep their environment calm and familiar.
- If you’re introducing new chickens, do it slowly so everyone gets along.
5. They’re Not Eating the Right Food
Chickens need the right nutrients to lay eggs. If they’re not getting enough calcium, protein, or other important vitamins, their bodies might not be able to produce eggs.
How to Fix It:
- Feed your chickens layer feed, which is specially made for egg-laying hens.
- Give them crushed oyster shells or ground eggshells for extra calcium.
- Offer fresh fruits and veggies as treats, but don’t overdo it—too many treats can upset their diet.
6. It’s Too Hot or Too Cold
Chickens don’t like extreme weather. If it’s too hot, they’ll focus on staying cool instead of laying eggs. If it’s too cold, they’ll focus on keeping warm.
How to Fix It:
- In the Summer:
- Give them plenty of fresh, cool water.
- Provide shady spots in their run.
- Freeze treats like watermelon slices to help them cool off.
- In the Winter:
7. They’re Sick or Have Parasites
Sometimes, chickens stop laying eggs because they’re not feeling well. Illnesses or parasites, like mites or worms, can make them uncomfortable and tired.
How to Fix It:
- Look for signs of sickness, like runny noses, droopy eyes, or a lack of energy.
- Check their feathers and skin for mites or lice.
- Keep their coop clean and dry.
- If you’re not sure what’s wrong, talk to a vet who knows about chickens.
8. They’re Hiding Their Eggs
Sometimes, chickens decide they don’t want to lay eggs in their nesting boxes. Instead, they might hide them in sneaky spots like under bushes, in tall grass, or even behind a hay bale.
This is common in free-range chickens that roam around the yard.
How to Fix It:
- Search their favorite hiding spots for eggs.
- Encourage them to use their nesting boxes by keeping the boxes clean, cozy, and filled with soft bedding.
- Place fake eggs in the nesting boxes to show them where to lay. Chickens like to copy each other, so they’ll start using the boxes again.
9. They’re Broody
A broody chicken is one that wants to hatch eggs. When a hen goes broody, she stops laying eggs and focuses on sitting in her nesting box all day, hoping her eggs will hatch (even if they’re not fertilized!).
How to Fix It:
- Gently move her out of the nesting box a few times a day to encourage her to eat, drink, and take breaks.
- If she stays broody for too long, you might need to “break” her broody behavior. A simple trick is to place her in a separate cage with no nesting materials for a few days.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Chickens Happy
Here are a few more tips to keep your chickens happy and healthy all year long:
- Fresh Water Every Day: Chickens won’t lay eggs if they’re thirsty!
- Cozy Coop: Make sure their coop is clean, dry, and safe from predators.
- Treats in Moderation: Too many snacks can make them stop eating their balanced food.
Final Thoughts
Chickens are amazing animals, but sometimes they need a little help to get back to laying eggs. By understanding what’s going on and fixing the problem, you can keep your chickens healthy and happy—and enjoy fresh eggs in no time!
Do you have more chicken-keeping questions? Share them in the comments below. Let’s talk chicken!