If the hens have quickly stopped laying eggs, you are not by itself—and there’s generally an excellent cause driving it. As outlined by Gail Damerow, revered poultry skilled and writer from the Chicken Health Handbook and Storey’s Guide to Boosting Chickens, egg-laying is a fancy approach influenced by a variety of environmental, biological, and nutritional factors. Here i will discuss the highest five reasons your hens may perhaps halt laying, as discussed by Damerow, together with practical strategies that can help your flock get back heading in the right direction.
1. Molting Time
Molting can be a all-natural system the place chickens shed outdated feathers and grow new types. Damerow emphasizes that molting typically happens once a year, normally in late summer or drop, and it requires a tremendous number of Power. All through this time, hens frequently pause egg generation to preserve nutrients for feather regrowth.
What to do: Be patient and provide added protein (for example mealworms or high-protein feed) to help the molting course of action. As soon as your hens are completed molting, egg generation should really resume.
2. Reduced Daylight
Chickens are hugely conscious of light-weight. Based on Damerow, hens call for no less than fourteen to sixteen several hours of daylight to maintain frequent laying. As daylight hours shorten in fall and winter, hens Normally lessen or end laying entirely.
What to do: It is possible to health supplement with synthetic lights while in the coop over the darker months. Make use of a lower-watt bulb over a timer to simulate a longer day, but steer clear of excessive lights, which often can strain the birds.
three. Very poor Nourishment
Diet program is The most disregarded causes for reduced egg production. Damerow warns that even compact imbalances in a very hen’s diet regime—like also small calcium, protein, or key natural vitamins—can cause a obvious fall in laying.
What to do: Ensure your hens have use of a complete layer feed, coupled with cleanse water, oyster shells for calcium, and occasional fresh new greens or kitchen scraps. Avoid overfeeding treats or scratch grains, which dilute the nutritional price in their diet regime.
four. Pressure and Environmental Modifications
Strain includes a immediate impact on a hen’s reproductive cycle. Damerow notes that sudden variations—such as a predator assault, new flock members, coop relocation, or Excessive temperature—could cause hens to halt laying.
How to proceed: Decrease disruptions and manage Nhà Cái Fun88 a calm, regular environment. Give new birds time for you to combine slowly, and provide loads of House, perches, and nest boxes to scale back Level of competition and nervousness.
5. Age and Medical issues
As hens age, their egg output Normally declines. Damerow describes that many hens access peak laying around eighteen to 24 months and steadily taper off over the years. Sickness, parasites, or underlying health problems also can interfere with laying.
What to do: Check older hens for signs of illness, and think about normal wellness checks. Although older hens may not lay as often, they still add to flock dynamics and might Dwell content, healthful lives.
Final Views
As Gail Damerow correctly advises, egg-laying just isn't just about biology—it’s about balance. Once your hens end laying, it’s typically their method of telling you something’s off. With notice to lights, nutrition, and treatment, you can assist your flock thrive and continue to keep All those egg baskets total.