If you’ve noticed a decline or complete stop in egg production, or if your chicken hasn’t started laying yet, it can be both confusing and concerning. There are many potential reasons for this, but thankfully, it’s usually easy to identify the cause.

Young Age

One clear sign that a pullet is approaching laying age is the colour of her comb. As she gets closer to laying, her comb will turn bright red. This colour change signals to the rooster that she’s ready to start producing fertile eggs. Additionally, her pelvis will become wider, and her vent will appear moist and pink.

You can also perform a simple test to check if your hen is ready to lay. Gently hold her firmly, turn her onto her back, and place your fingers on her breastbone. Slowly move your fingers down to the vent area and check for two bones sticking up—her pelvic bones. If you can only fit one finger upright between the bones, she’s still about four weeks away from laying. If you can fit one and a half fingers, she’s closer, around two to three weeks out. Two or more fingers means she’s either very close to laying or already laying.

Old Age

If your chicken has been laying for some time and you notice a drop in production, it could be a sign that she’s reached the end of her laying years. While there’s no exact age at which chickens stop laying, you’ll typically see a gradual decline as they get older. By around four years old, a hen’s egg production slows considerably, though heritage breeds often continue to lay longer than commercial breeds.

Moult

For backyard chickens, shorter days often signal time for a break. During this period, birds may stop laying eggs, shed old feathers, and grow new ones. This annual break from egg-laying is called moulting.

Moulting is the process of shedding and renewing feathers. During this time, your hen’s reproductive system takes a rest, and they begin to rebuild their nutrient reserves. A moult can take between two and six months, and it cannot be rushed. To help your hens during this period, consider adding extra protein to their feed (like black soldier fly larvae or a calci-protein blend).

Parasites

Diseases and parasite infestations can cause a significant drop in egg production, or even stop it completely. Good parasite control is essential, and if a hen shows any sign of illness, she should be isolated and treated immediately. Some common parasites that affect egg production include mites, lice, and fleas. Regularly dusting the hens, their coop, and the run with a good-quality poultry dust will help keep these parasites under control.

Watch out for internal parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms. It’s a good idea to deworm your flock every three months as a precaution. Be mindful that the withdrawal period for most dewormers is 14 days, during which time any eggs laid should be discarded.

For more details, be sure to check out our blog posts on mites and lice, and how to worm your flock.

Seasonal Factors

The egg-laying process in chickens is heavily influenced by the amount of light they’re exposed to. Hens’ bodies are highly sensitive to light changes, and when daylight decreases, they interpret it as a sign that the temperature will drop. Their natural instinct tells them that conditions won’t be warm enough for baby chicks to survive, leading them to stop laying eggs.

Broodiness

When hens go broody, their hormones tell them to stop laying eggs and instead focus on incubating and hatching them. Broody hens will sit in the nest box day and night, refusing to leave. They may even try to steal eggs from other hens if given the chance.

To prevent broodiness, make sure to collect eggs regularly, as leaving eggs in the nesting box can trigger a hen’s broody instinct.

Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on egg production. Even minor changes to your hen’s environment can cause temporary disruptions. For example, something as simple as changing the bedding may cause a temporary slump in egg production. However, it should only last a day or two before things return to normal.

Predators

If predators like mice, rats, or snakes are present near your chicken coop, they can cause stress, leading to a reduction in egg production. These animals might also steal eggs, so it’s important to make sure your coop and run are predator-proof.

Pecking Order

Introducing or removing chickens from your flock can alter the dynamics and cause stress. Even if you introduce new chickens properly, your hens may still experience anxiety for a few days, which could lead to a temporary stop in egg-laying. However, they should return to normal within a few days once the adjustment period is over.

Egg Eating

If you’re not getting any eggs, but you’re sure your hens are laying, you might have an egg-eater in your flock. Look for signs like yolk smeared on the nest box materials.

If egg-eating is the issue, increase their calcium intake to help prevent shell breakage and consider placing a dummy egg in the nesting box. Once hens start pecking at it, they usually give up trying to eat the eggs.

Incorrect Feeding

Laying hens need calcium to produce eggs, and if they’re not getting enough, their bodies will deplete their calcium reserves, causing them to stop laying. It’s important to feed hens a balanced layer feed or a high-quality all-flock feed with a calcium supplement like shell grit or a calci-protein blend.

Switching between different brands of chicken feed can sometimes cause issues since the nutrient levels (like salt) may vary. Sudden deficiencies can reduce egg production. If you need to change feed brands, do it gradually to avoid disruption.

Nutrient Deficiencies

A lack of proper nutrients in your chicken’s diet can also affect their ability to lay eggs. A balanced diet is crucial to maintaining their overall health and egg production. Consider adding a supplement like Superfood Blend to support their nutrient intake.

Egg-Bound

Sometimes, chickens can experience medical issues that affect egg production, such as egg-binding. If you suspect your hen is egg-bound, gently feel around her abdomen area. If you feel an egg-shaped lump or see a protrusion from her abdomen, she may be struggling to pass an egg.

To help your hen, add electrolytes and calcium to her diet, apply lubricant to her rear, and provide a calm and quiet space for her to lay. If you’re unsure or the condition persists, consult a vet for assistance.

Hidden Eggs

If your free-range hens have stopped laying, it’s worth checking if they’ve simply found a more secretive nesting spot. Chickens love privacy when laying eggs, and sometimes they decide that the coop isn’t the best place anymore.

To check if your hens are hiding their eggs, watch where they go during the day—especially if they sneak off into bushes, under sheds, or behind other structures. Signs of a hidden nest include a hen returning to the same spot frequently or acting secretive.

To encourage them back to the nesting boxes, ensure their coop setup is comfortable, with clean bedding and a quiet, dark space for laying. Collect eggs regularly, and consider using fake eggs or ceramic eggs in the nesting boxes to remind them where they should be laying.