Just about every backyard chicken keeper has seasoned it: in the future, your hens are laying reliably, and the subsequent, the nesting bins are mysteriously vacant. In accordance with Gail Damerow, renowned poultry skilled and author of Storey’s Guide to Boosting Chickens, this egg-laying pause is frequently not a mystery in the least. You will discover distinct, purely natural factors hens end laying, and comprehension them will help you assist your flock and restore productiveness. Here i will discuss Damerow’s major 5 causes hens quit laying—and what you can do about them.

one. Molting: A Pure Pause
As Damerow describes, molting is usually a yearly occasion inside of a hen’s lifestyle, typically developing in late summer to early tumble. During this time, hens eliminate and regrow feathers—a process that needs an amazing volume of Power and protein. Egg creation generally stops in the course of this period, given that the hen's entire body focuses totally on feather regeneration.

What You are able to do: Guidance your hens which has a higher-protein feed or snacks like mealworms and scrambled eggs. Prevent stressing the flock and Allow mother nature take its program. As soon as the molt is entire, egg-laying should really steadily resume.

two. Shortened Daylight Hrs
Light publicity plays a vital job in stimulating a hen’s reproductive method. Damerow details out that hens will need 14–sixteen hrs of daylight for regular laying. As daylight decreases in the fall and Winter season months, so does egg generation.

What You are able to do: Consider adding a light source in the coop that has a timer to simulate all-natural daylight. A very low-wattage bulb turning on within the early early morning can properly lengthen "daylight" and aid winter laying. Stay clear of sudden lighting alterations That may pressure your birds.

three. Very poor Diet
Diet is foundational to egg manufacturing. Damerow warns that Fun88 Casino feeding chickens a diet program lacking in protein, calcium, or important vitamins can result in much less or no eggs. Treats and scratch grains, when pleasurable, can dilute the well balanced nutrition furnished by professional layer feed.

What You Can Do: Make certain your flock has constant access to higher-high-quality layer feed, clean up drinking water, and calcium dietary supplements like crushed oyster shell. Restrict treats to not more than 10% of their each day diet plan.

four. Pressure and Environmental Elements
Stress is A serious contributor to reduced egg production. As outlined by Damerow, stressors can incorporate predator threats, overcrowding, bullying, Intense temperatures, or simply relocating the coop. Hens are delicate to change and will react by halting egg generation.

What You Can Do: Develop a calm, Risk-free atmosphere in your birds. Sustain dependable routines, supply enough space, and deal with resources of stress for example loud noises or intense flockmates.

5. Age and Health problems
Damerow reminds us that laying is just not a lifelong endeavor. Most hens commence laying all over five–6 months of age, peak at about 1–2 yrs, and then slowly decelerate. Health issues, parasites, and reproductive problems also can interfere with laying.

What You are able to do: Regulate your hens’ overall wellness. Carry out standard parasite checks, retain a clean coop, and consult a vet when you see indications of illness. Older hens should still be valuable associates in the flock although their laying times are at the rear of them.

Remaining Views
As Gail Damerow normally states, “Chickens don’t just stop laying for no reason.” Should your hens take a break, it’s their way of signaling that some thing in their atmosphere or biology has shifted. With a little bit of observation, good treatment, and many endurance, you can assist guidebook your flock back to healthy egg output—or simply value the natural rhythms in their lives.