The main reasons why chickens may not be laying eggs include:
- Insufficient light : Chickens generally need about 14-16 hours of light per day to sustain egg production. Short days or lack of artificial light during darker months can cause laying to slow down or stop.
- Nutrition : Poor or imbalanced diet, especially lacking in protein and calcium, can reduce egg laying. Overfeeding treats or low-quality feed also contributes.
- Stress : Environmental stressors such as predators, overcrowding, changes in flock dynamics, moving coops, or rough handling can affect egg production.
- Age : Very young hens may not have started laying yet (usually start around 6 months but can take longer) and older hens gradually slow and eventually stop laying.
- Health and disease : Illness, parasites, or molting lead to a decrease or complete halt in laying eggs.
- Environmental factors : Extreme weather, water availability, and nesting area disturbances can also impact laying.
In summary, inadequate daylight, stress, nutrition, age, and health are the most common causes. Providing adequate lighting, a balanced diet, stress reduction, proper coop management, and health care will support consistent egg laying.
