Grit

When Hens Stop Laying

Summer was warm, the days were long, and you’d gotten used to having lots of eggs. Then, your hens stopped laying. What happened?

This is a common complaint from chicken keepers all over the globe. Even healthy chickens sometimes stop laying eggs, but you may be able to help bring your ladies back into egg production. If your hens have gone from hero to zero in the egg-laying department, read on for some possible causes, and what you can do.

Time of Year

The most common reason for chickens to stop laying is simply the time of year.

During winter, many hens slow down or stop laying altogether. Your hen’s egg production is partially dependent on nature’s light cycles. When the short days of winter come, her body tells her it’s time to take a break.

If your hens stopped laying in December, then time of year is likely the culprit. The good news is that they’ll probably start laying

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Grit

Grit9 min read
Everything’s Ducky
My animal knitting patterns are born out of collaboration with two of my children, who record the sightings in nature and sketch them for me to draft. The patterns are also the culmination of a lifelong love of both knitting and animals. Animals make
Grit4 min read
Just Add Chickens
Guinea fowl are a welcome addition to any farm or homestead. They’re low-maintenance, they eat their weight in pests, and they’re considered flock guardians because they’ll sound the alarm when anything that doesn’t belong comes near them. Over my ye
Grit2 min read
Our View
Change is inevitable, isn’t it? But inevitability doesn’t mean change is bad, just different. Still, change is certainly easier to deal with when faced with others. Spring is the epitome of change and new beginnings. As I write this letter, it’s stil

Related