Why Arent My Chickens Laying Eggs Common Causes Solutions

Backyard chicken keepers often look forward to a steady supply of fresh eggs, so it can be frustrating when production slows or stops altogether. While occasional drops in laying are normal, prolonged silence from the nesting box usually signals an underlying issue. The good news is that most problems are fixable once identified. From age and lighting to nutrition and stress, multiple factors influence egg production. Understanding these variables allows you to diagnose the cause and restore your flock’s productivity.

Age and Natural Laying Cycles

One of the most overlooked reasons for reduced egg production is simply the age of your hens. Most chickens reach peak laying between 6 and 18 months old. After that, egg output gradually declines by about 10–20% each year. By the time hens reach five years old, many lay only sporadically or stop entirely.

Pullets (young hens) typically begin laying around 18–24 weeks, depending on breed. If your birds are younger than this, they may not have started yet. Conversely, if your flock has been together for three or more years, declining numbers could reflect natural aging rather than poor management.

“Egg production follows a predictable curve—understanding your hens’ life stage is the first step in diagnosing laying issues.” — Dr. Karen Raynal, Poultry Health Specialist

Tip: Keep track of your chickens’ hatch dates or purchase records to monitor their laying lifespan accurately.

Nutrition: Are Your Hens Getting What They Need?

Diet plays a crucial role in egg production. A laying hen requires about 14–18% protein and a steady supply of calcium for strong shells. Feeding scratch grains or kitchen scraps without a balanced layer feed can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Common nutritional pitfalls include:

• Feeding only scratch grains, which are high in carbohydrates but low in protein and calcium
• Lack of oyster shell or limestone supplement, leading to soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Inconsistent access to clean water—dehydration reduces laying within 24–48 hours

Switching abruptly between feeds or offering too many treats (more than 10% of diet) can also disrupt intake of essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Required Level	Deficiency Symptom
Protein	14–18%	Reduced laying, feather loss
Calcium	3.5–4.5%	Soft or thin shells
Vitamin D	Adequate exposure	Poor calcium absorption

Light Exposure and Seasonal Changes

Chickens need approximately 14–16 hours of light per day to maintain peak laying. As daylight shortens in fall and winter, many backyard flocks naturally slow down or pause egg production. This photoperiod response is biological—not a sign of illness.

While some prefer to let their hens rest during winter, others use artificial lighting to extend the laying season. A simple 40-watt bulb on a timer can provide the necessary light duration without overheating the coop.

Tip: Turn lights on early morning hours (e.g., 4–6 AM) to avoid heat buildup and mimic natural sunrise.

Step-by-Step: Implementing Light Supplementation

1. Install a weatherproof fixture in the coop ceiling.
2. Use a programmable timer set to turn on at 4:30 AM.
3. Provide 14–16 total hours of light (natural + artificial).
4. Ensure lights go off by midday to prevent overstimulation.
5. Monitor hens for signs of stress or aggression.

Stress, Environment, and Health Issues

Chickens are sensitive creatures. Even minor disruptions—like a new pet, predator scare, or loud noise—can halt egg production temporarily. Chronic stress suppresses reproductive hormones, delaying ovulation.

Common environmental stressors include:

• Overcrowding (less than 2–3 sq ft per bird inside, 8–10 sq ft outside)
• Poor ventilation causing ammonia buildup
• Dirty bedding or wet litter promoting bacterial growth
• Lack of secure nesting boxes (ideal: one box per 3–4 hens)

Health concerns such as mites, worms, respiratory infections, or egg binding can also stop laying. Watch for symptoms like lethargy, ruffled feathers, weight loss, or decreased appetite.

“Parasites alone can reduce egg output by up to 30%. Regular health checks are non-negotiable.” — Dr. Alan Torres, Avian Veterinarian

Mini Case Study: The Silent Coop in Maple Ridge

A family in rural Washington noticed their six hens stopped laying after moving coops. Despite proper feed and water, no eggs appeared for six weeks. Investigation revealed the new coop had only one small nesting box shared by all birds, located directly under a roosting bar—causing droppings to soil the area. After adding two clean, secluded nesting boxes with hay lining and relocating them away from roosts, eggs returned within ten days. The fix wasn’t complex—just attention to behavioral needs.

Molt: The Annual Feather Reset

Most hens undergo a molt once a year, typically in late summer or fall. During this 4–16 week period, they shed old feathers and grow new ones. Since feather production requires significant protein, the body redirects energy away from egg-laying.

Molting is natural and should not be rushed. However, supporting hens with higher-protein feed (up to 20%) during this time helps shorten the duration and supports faster recovery.

Tip: Don’t panic if your hens look ragged during molt—they’ll return to laying once feather regrowth is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for hens to start laying after molting?

Most hens resume laying 4–8 weeks after completing their molt, depending on health, diet, and daylight availability.

Can broodiness stop egg production?

Yes. A broody hen will stop laying and instead focus on sitting on eggs—even if they’re unfertilized. Breaking her broodiness (by removing her from the nest daily or using a “broody breaker” cage) can restart laying.

Should I cull non-laying hens?

This depends on your goals. If you keep chickens as pets or for pest control, older hens still contribute. But if egg production is your priority, replacing hens every 2–3 years ensures consistent output.

Egg Production Checklist

Use this checklist to troubleshoot and improve laying performance:

• ✅ Confirm hens are between 5 months and 3 years old
• ✅ Provide continuous access to layer feed (16% protein minimum)
• ✅ Offer free-choice oyster shell for calcium
• ✅ Ensure 14–16 hours of light daily, especially in winter
• ✅ Check for signs of mites, lice, or illness weekly
• ✅ Maintain clean, dry bedding and well-placed nesting boxes
• ✅ Minimize stressors like predators, noise, or overcrowding
• ✅ Monitor for molting; adjust protein intake accordingly

Conclusion

Egg production isn’t just about feeding chickens and waiting. It’s a balance of biology, environment, and care. When your hens aren’t laying, the answer usually lies in one of several key areas: age, nutrition, light, health, or stress. By systematically evaluating each factor, you can identify the root cause and take effective action. Whether you're nurturing pullets through their first lay or supporting older hens through seasonal changes, attentive management makes all the difference.

💬 Have a success story or unique solution for boosting egg production? Share your experience in the comments and help fellow chicken keepers raise healthier, happier flocks!