Chicken Not Laying Eggs Reasons Solutions Explained

Backyard chicken keepers often rely on their flock for a steady supply of fresh eggs. When production slows or stops, it can be frustrating and confusing. Chickens may stop laying for a variety of reasons—some natural, others preventable. Understanding the underlying causes is essential to restoring egg output. This guide breaks down the most common reasons chickens stop laying and provides actionable, science-backed solutions.

Age and Natural Egg-Laying Cycles

Hens typically begin laying eggs at around 18 to 24 weeks of age. Their peak productivity occurs in the first two years of life. After that, egg production naturally declines by about 10–20% each year. By the time a hen reaches five years old, many will lay sporadically or stop altogether.

This decline is due to hormonal changes and reduced ovarian function. While you can’t reverse aging, you can support older hens with proper nutrition and care to extend their laying window as much as possible.

Tip: Consider retiring older hens to a non-laying flock if egg production is your primary goal, while maintaining younger layers for consistent output.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Feeding Mistakes

Diet plays a crucial role in egg production. Hens require a balanced intake of protein, calcium, vitamins, and energy to produce eggs daily. A lack of any key nutrient can halt laying.

Laying hens need at least 16–18% protein in their feed. Calcium is equally important—without enough, hens may lay soft-shelled or shell-less eggs before stopping entirely. Common feeding mistakes include relying solely on kitchen scraps or using chick/grower feed instead of layer feed.

“Hens need 4 grams of calcium per day to maintain strong eggshells. That’s equivalent to about twice the amount found in standard layer pellets.” — Dr. Karen Schwean-Lardner, Poultry Nutrition Specialist, University of Saskatchewan

Nutrient	Role in Egg Production	Deficiency Symptoms
Calcium	Forms eggshells	Soft shells, no shells, decreased laying
Protein	Builds egg whites and yolk structure	Fewer eggs, smaller eggs
Vitamin D	Aids calcium absorption	Poor shell quality
Energy (calories)	Fuels metabolic processes	Weight loss, cessation of laying

Daylight and Seasonal Influences

Chickens are highly sensitive to daylight length. Most hens require 14–16 hours of light per day to sustain regular ovulation. As days shorten in fall and winter, egg production often drops significantly—or stops completely.

This is especially true for breeds without strong winter-laying genetics. Some keepers use artificial lighting to maintain production during darker months. However, this should be done carefully to avoid stressing the birds.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Light to Support Laying

1. Install a low-wattage LED or fluorescent bulb in the coop.
2. Set a timer to turn lights on early morning (e.g., 5 AM).
3. Add enough light to reach 14–16 total hours per day (natural + artificial).
4. Turn off lights after 16 hours to allow rest.
5. Monitor hens for signs of stress—feather loss, aggression, or lethargy.

Tip: Use a timer to ensure consistency. Sudden changes in light exposure can disrupt laying cycles.

Stress, Environment, and Health Issues

Chickens are creatures of habit. Even minor disruptions can cause temporary or prolonged laying pauses. Common stressors include:

• New flock members or social hierarchy changes
• Predator threats (real or perceived)
• Noisy environments or frequent disturbances
• Overcrowding in the coop or run
• Extreme temperatures (heat or cold)

Health issues such as mites, internal parasites, respiratory infections, or reproductive disorders like salpingitis can also suppress egg laying. Regular health checks and clean living conditions are vital.

Mini Case Study: The Overheated Coop

Sarah, a backyard keeper in Texas, noticed her three hens stopped laying in mid-July. Despite providing food and water, production halted. Upon inspection, she realized the coop lacked ventilation and reached over 100°F (38°C) during the day. After adding shade, improving airflow, and installing a small fan, her hens resumed laying within two weeks. The takeaway: heat stress alone can shut down egg production, even in healthy birds.

Broodiness and Molting

Some hens become “broody”—a natural instinct to sit on eggs to hatch them. During this phase, they stop laying and may aggressively guard the nest. Breeds like Silkies and Orpingtons are more prone to broodiness.

Molting is another natural annual process where hens shed and regrow feathers, usually in late summer or fall. This requires significant protein and energy, so egg production halts temporarily. Molting typically lasts 4–12 weeks.

“Molting is not a disease—it’s a necessary renewal. Forcing a hen to lay during molt can shorten her productive life.” — Dr. Maurice Pitesky, UC Cooperative Extension Avian Veterinarian

Do’s and Don’ts During Molting and Broodiness

Action	Do	Don't
Feeding	Increase protein (up to 20%)	Switch to maintenance feed
Handling	Gently check for mites	Force the hen off the nest repeatedly
Environment	Provide quiet, dark nesting areas	Add bright lights or noise near nests
Broodiness	Cool the nest with ceramic tiles	Wet the hen daily (can cause illness)

Checklist: Troubleshooting Non-Laying Hens

Use this checklist to diagnose and address egg production issues:

• ✔️ Confirm the hen is old enough (over 18 weeks)
• ✔️ Check for molting or broodiness
• ✔️ Verify access to proper layer feed (16–18% protein, high calcium)
• ✔️ Ensure 14–16 hours of light per day
• ✔️ Inspect for pests (mites, lice) or illness
• ✔️ Evaluate coop space (minimum 2–3 sq ft per bird inside, 8–10 sq ft outside)
• ✔️ Reduce stressors: predators, noise, overcrowding
• ✔️ Test for hidden nesting spots where eggs might be laid unnoticed

FAQ

Why did my chicken stop laying suddenly?

Sudden cessation of laying is often due to stress, predator encounters, illness, or environmental changes. Check for mites, verify diet, and observe behavior. If accompanied by lethargy or discharge, consult a vet.

Can I give my hens treats without affecting laying?

Yes, but limit treats to less than 10% of their diet. Excessive scratch grains or table scraps displace nutrient-rich layer feed, leading to deficiencies. Avoid salty, sugary, or toxic foods like avocado or raw potato peels.

How do I know if my hen is permanently done laying?

Older hens lay less frequently. If a hen over 5 years old lays only occasionally, she may be winding down. However, some hens lay into their seventh year. Look for signs like pale comb, narrow pelvic bones, and dull plumage as indicators of reduced productivity.

Conclusion

Eggs don’t just appear—they’re the result of optimal health, environment, and management. When chickens stop laying, it’s rarely one single issue. More often, it’s a combination of age, diet, light, and stress factors. By systematically addressing each possibility, most flocks can return to reliable production.

Whether you're managing a small backyard coop or a larger homestead flock, paying attention to detail makes all the difference. Start with nutrition and light, eliminate stress, and monitor health regularly. With patience and care, your hens can continue providing fresh eggs for seasons to come.

💬 Have a hen that stopped laying? Share your experience and solution in the comments—your insight could help another keeper get their eggs back!