You walk into your coop like every other morning, expecting to collect fresh eggs. But today, there’s nothing. No eggs yesterday either. Maybe one the day before that. You look at your hens—healthy, well-fed, happily scratching in the dirt—and wonder:
Why Are My Hens Not Laying Eggs? anymore?
It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve done everything “right.” You give them food, clean water, a safe coop, and plenty of space. So what gives?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common—and most confusing—issues backyard chicken keepers face. Whether you’re a first-time flock owner or someone with years of experience, egg production slowdowns can leave you scratching your head.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every possible reason your hens might stop laying, including seasonal changes, health issues, breed-specific quirks, and common management mistakes. You’ll get actionable solutions, expert-backed insights, and some surprising facts that could change how you care for your flock—forever.
Understanding How and Why Hens Lay Eggs
Before diving into the problems, let’s understand the process.
Hens start laying eggs at about 18–24 weeks of age, depending on breed. The laying cycle is influenced by:
-
Light exposure (they need 14–16 hours of light)
-
Diet quality
-
Stress levels
-
Health status
-
Genetics (some breeds lay more than others)
An egg takes about 24–26 hours to develop. Once laid, the next begins forming almost immediately—unless something interrupts the cycle.
Top Reasons Why Your Hens Are Not Laying Eggs
Let’s break down the most common (and not-so-common) causes:
1. Decreased Daylight Hours
Chickens are photoperiod-sensitive. As days get shorter in fall and winter:
-
Hens naturally slow down or stop laying
-
Their bodies go into a rest phase (similar to hibernation)
Solution:
Supplemental lighting in the coop (timed to mimic natural daylight) can help—but only if you’re okay with interrupting their natural rest cycle.
2. Molting: The Annual Feather Shed
Most hens molt once a year, usually in late summer or fall.
-
They lose old feathers and grow new ones
-
Molting is nutrient-intensive, so egg production stops
Solution:
Increase protein in their feed (18–20%) during molt. Avoid stressing them further.
3. Poor Nutrition
This is a silent killer of productivity. Common issues include:
-
Low protein
-
Imbalanced calcium and phosphorus
-
Lack of fresh water
-
Feeding too many scraps or grains without formulated feed
Solution:
Use a layer feed with at least 16% protein, and supplement with oyster shell or crushed eggshells for calcium.
4. Stress and Environmental Factors
Chickens are more sensitive than you think.
-
Predator scares
-
Sudden temperature changes
-
Loud noises
-
Overcrowding
-
New flock members
All of these can stop laying overnight.
Solution:
Provide consistent routines, safe enclosures, and enough space (minimum 4 sq. ft. per hen indoors, 10 sq. ft. outdoors).
5. Hidden Nests or Egg-Eating
Sometimes your hens ARE laying—but not where you expect.
-
Free-range hens may hide eggs in bushes or barns
-
Some chickens develop egg-eating habits
Solution:
Lock hens in the coop until mid-morning (most eggs are laid by 10 a.m.), and check for hidden spots. If you suspect egg-eating, remove broken eggs quickly and consider ceramic decoy eggs.
6. Health Problems
Any illness can disrupt egg laying.
-
Parasites (lice, mites, worms)
-
Respiratory infections
-
Reproductive disorders
-
Injuries
Watch for symptoms: pale combs, lethargy, poor feather condition, weight loss.
Solution:
Do regular health checks. Deworm as needed. Treat mites with permethrin or diatomaceous earth. Consult a vet for serious illness.
7. Aging Hens
Egg production declines with age.
-
Peak laying years: 1–2 years
-
After 3–4 years, expect fewer eggs
-
By 6–7 years, some hens stop completely
Solution:
Accept the natural aging process—or rotate older hens out of production.
8. Broodiness
Some hens go broody and stop laying to sit on (real or imaginary) eggs.
Signs of broodiness:
-
Staying in the nest box all day
-
Puffing up and growling
-
Refusing to leave the nest
Solution:
Break broodiness by isolating the hen in a wire cage with food and water but no nesting material.
9. Improper Housing Conditions
Bad coop design can stress hens out of laying.
-
Too hot or cold
-
No proper nest boxes
-
Poor ventilation
-
Dirty bedding
Solution:
Ensure nest boxes are private, clean, and well-bedded. One box per 3–4 hens is ideal. Keep coop temp moderate and humidity low.
10. Recent Changes
Changes in routine, feed, location, or flock dynamics can all cause egg interruptions.
Solution:
Give time to adjust (2–3 weeks), and try to avoid multiple changes at once.
When Should You Start Worrying?
Temporary dips are normal. But worry if:
-
No eggs for over 3 weeks
-
You see signs of illness or extreme weight loss
-
The entire flock stops laying suddenly
That’s a red flag that something systemic is wrong.
Fixing the Problem: What You Can Do Today
-
Track laying behavior (use a chart)
-
Inspect the coop thoroughly
-
Check each hen’s health
-
Review feed type and portions
-
Add lighting (if appropriate)
-
Observe their behavior for stress or signs of broodiness
-
Offer higher-protein treats like scrambled eggs or mealworms
Real-Life Stories From Chicken Owners
-
“My Rhode Island Reds stopped laying for weeks—turned out they had lice. One dust bath later, eggs were back!” — Maria from Oregon
-
“I thought my hens weren’t laying, until I found a hidden nest with 18 eggs under a woodpile.” — Trevor, backyard chicken keeper in Texas
Common Mistakes Chicken Keepers Make
-
Overfeeding scratch grain (low in nutrients)
-
Letting hens free-range too early in the day
-
Not checking for parasites
-
Assuming only one factor is to blame
-
Not keeping records
Pro Tips to Keep Egg Production High
-
Use automatic light timers in winter
-
Give access to dust baths to prevent mites
-
Add apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp/gallon) to water once a week
-
Rotate feed types every 2–3 months
-
Handle hens gently to avoid stress
-
Use a mix of breeds to stagger molting/laying cycles
FAQs: Expert Answers to Your Questions
Why did my hens suddenly stop laying?
Check for sudden stressors: predators, weather, flock changes, or molting. Sudden stops are rarely random.
How long does molting last?
Molting lasts 4–12 weeks, depending on the hen. Laying typically resumes shortly after.
Can a hen lay eggs without a rooster?
Yes. Roosters are only needed to fertilize eggs—not for egg laying.
Is it okay to use artificial lighting?
Yes, but use responsibly. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll stress the hens. Aim for 14 hours max.
What breeds lay the most eggs?
-
ISA Brown
-
Leghorn
-
Australorp
-
Rhode Island Red
-
Sussex
These can lay 250–300 eggs per year.
Should I supplement their feed?
Yes. Especially during molting or winter. Options include oyster shell, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, and vitamin-rich greens.
Final Thoughts: From Frustration to Confidence
Raising backyard hens is deeply rewarding—but it comes with mysteries. When your hens stop laying eggs, it can feel like something’s wrong with you. But the truth is, egg production is complex, and sometimes your hens just need a little support.
Now that you understand all the reasons your chickens might not be laying—plus the steps to solve it—you’re equipped to handle the problem like a pro.
You don’t need to panic. You just need to observe, adjust, and trust the process.
And remember: even the best chicken keepers face empty nest boxes sometimes.