What Causes Chickens to Stop Laying Eggs?

A female chicken will begin laying eggs between 16 and 20 weeks of age. At 36 weeks of age she will peak in productivity, producing around nine eggs every 10 days. This will continue for about two months. Brooding is a natural process where the hen will sit on her eggs and wait for them to hatch. There are many factors that could be affecting productivity if your hen isn't brooding and has stopped laying eggs.

  1. Nutrition Deficiency

    • Diet is a very important factor in egg laying for hens. Hens should not be receiving starter feed, whole grains, table scraps or food for harvest hens. A well balanced feed for laying hens should consist of 16 to 18 percent protein content. Hydration is equally important for egg laying. Be sure your hens always have enough fresh water.

    Daylight

    • Hens require 14 hours of daylight to continually lay eggs. When the fall and winter seasons come you need to use an artificial light. Use this light during the morning hours so the hens can roost with the setting sun.

    Age

    • After two or three years of actively laying eggs many hens decrease their egg productivity. Stronger, younger, and healthier hens will lay for 50-60 weeks at a time and then take a resting period called a "molt." The older hens get the more molting periods the need and less eggs are produced.

    Stress

    • Any stressful interactions can decrease a hens egg production. This can be irritation from new farm animals, machines, people or pets. Excessive handling can disrupt the hen, along with cold or damp weather conditions.

    Health

    • The health of the flock may be deterring egg production. Chickens that are sick or infested with parasites should be checked out right away. When chickens are becoming inactive and dying call your local agricultural animal control center.

    The Hens

    • When put in tight spaces without enough room chickens will eat other hens eggs. They will also hide their own eggs if they are able to roam. Rowdy chickens that get excited or frightened often could also be breaking the eggs.