At our farm, we have several chickens. And recently, we added 6 new chickens, with the hopes of increasing our daily egg count. Yesterday, we got one egg. Yap! Just one… Which led us to curiously ask ourselves – why chickens stop laying eggs?

Why chickens stop laying eggs

• Our list of reasons is derived from real world observations! Starting with – molting. Something which you can NOT control (like most things related to farming). What is molting, you ask? Molting is a process which birds, some reptiles, and some mammals, go through. During which, the creatures lose some of their feathers or skin (depending on the species in question). This happens in order to make way for better fitting, and also new feathers or skin. And for chickens, their egg laying will usually cease until the molting process is complete. The older the hens, the longer the process.
• Stress is another factor why egg count might drop. Yes, I know… what stress! When chickens get stressed, hens might cease egg production for a bit… until their nerves calm down (or something). And sometimes, the factors which lead to stress may be unavoidable. Hens can be stressed by a change of environment (relation), a change of routine, or the addition of new birds, etc
• Another more straight forward (controllable) factor is the lack of sufficient water, and sufficient food. If you happen to add more chickens onto your farm (like we did) then, don’t forget to increase their feed and water. And, in some cases, you might have to increase their living space too. In order to avoid overcrowding and stress.
• And lastly – brooding! When your hens suddenly decide to sit on their eggs and hatch them out, its called brooding. And, that will cause the brooder(s) to stop laying

Conclusion

Having your own chickens to lay eggs is an awesome idea! In fact, I highly recommend that more people should give this a short. Just remember to be patient, and realistic with your expectations. Sometimes chickens get stressed, and then the egg count drops (sometimes to zero). And sometimes, your hens will get older. Which will cause a drop in their egg production too. Which may require you to bring in younger chickens. Just stay alert, and attentive to all your critters! – Tafadzwa Tarumbwa.