What could be the problem? My chickens are not laying eggs yet!
Oops!!!
Considering the above statement I can’t help but place you in either of these categories;
1. Your hens are above 22 weeks and still haven’t dropped an egg.
2. Or let’s say your chickens were laying eggs and at some point, they stopped. I mean just stopped!!!
3. Even after buying the best chicken breeds for eggs, still no eggs.
4. To push a little further, maybe you are just one of those farmers wondering “when do chickens start laying eggs regularly?”.
5. Or you’re just a new farmer being egg-apprehensive.
Whichever category you fall into, we are going to tell you why your chickens stopped laying eggs.
Also, you will learn why they are not laying eggs at all.
In our previous article, we talked about how many eggs a chicken lays in a week.
And it’s not out of place to expect eggs and not get some even after feeding the flocks fermented chicken feed.
So, without further ado, let’s find out what could be wrong with your chickens!!
Why are my chickens not laying eggs?
Whether a breed of chicken is prolific or not, there might come a time when they will stop egg-laying.
This we can attribute to many factors within and some beyond your control.
Some on the other hand can be easy to figure out while the others can be like finding X in algebra.
However, we’ve made the complex matter simple by bringing together the top reasons why egg-laying chicken breeds stop laying.

15 common reasons why your chickens are not laying eggs yet
Below, you will find a list of the common reasons why even the chickens that lay large eggs stop laying.
Also, we have included the solutions we have seen bring a turnaround to this “not-good-for-the-business” situation.
The list includes;
1. Annual molt cause chickens to stop laying:
When we talk about molting, we refer to a period when chickens shed their feathers.
This occurs periodically and lasts for about 16 weeks. And when chickens molt, they will stop laying eggs.
Why?
Molting is pretty very stressful and uses up a lot of protein in the chicken.
During this process, the hens cannot lay eggs and molt simultaneously.
Therefore, one has to give way to the other. And unfortunately, it’s the eggs that will have to wait.
Solution:
Because this is a natural phenomenon, there is nothing much you can do.
But you can help your egg-laying buddies by increasing the protein content of their feed.
At this point, we recommend a 20% protein or higher during the molt.
Parasites have no good relationship with birds.
Its discomforting presence can pose a strain on the chickens.
The presence of lice and mites is enough to stop your chickens from laying eggs.
These parasites suck the chicken’s blood.
And a large infestation can leave a bird weak and anaemic.
Solution:
Carry out a regular checkup over your flock and treat infestations if detected.
Also, you need to re-treat them after seven days to kill all the new insects.
12. Seasonal laying in hens:
Sometimes, any of the above lists may not be the reason why your chickens are not laying eggs.
Some chickens lay in seasons.
Chickens like the Orpingtons, Australorps and Isa Browns lay regardless of time and season.
Whereas, some are winter sensitive.
Solution:
There is absolutely not more you can do than provide them with more light.
13. Chicken drama can affect egg produciton:
Yes, chickens have drama too!
Some just act it out and refuse to lay eggs!
And sadly, there’s nothing much you can do about it.
Solution:
Let them enjoy their drama.
They will still come around to lay good eggs.
14. You chicken can stop laying eggs because of an illness:
Just maybe those egg-laying buddies of yours are not feeling well.
Production of eggs really slows down if the chickens are sick.
Solution:
Take them to a vet and give them time to heal.
15. A hen may not lay more eggs if she is broody:
When a hen is broody, she only wants to sit on her eggs.
If you allow your hen to sit on her eggs, she gets a signal in her brain to stop laying new eggs.
All her focus and energy will be to hatch those eggs she has laid.
Eventually, she will stop laying more eggs.
Solution:
If you want more eggs, then always remove the eggs from the chicken nest boxes as soon as they lay.
By removing the eggs immediately after the chickens lay, you stop them from developing that broody instinct.
Hence, they will continue to lay more eggs for you.
Answers to common questions about reasons why your chickens are not laying eggs
What do I do when my chicken stops laying eggs?
Simple!
Find out what the problem is.
With the list above you have a foundation on what you can look out for.
Once you detect it, address it.
If there’s no solution like the “age factor” you can just get more new pullets.
How do I encourage my chickens to lay eggs?
Provide enough nest boxes appealing and attractive colours.
Regularly collect their eggs.
How many days can a chicken go without laying an egg?
Usually, it takes a day, all things being equal. However, if the hen is broody, it may take up to 21 days.
What is the average lifespan of a laying hen?
Most laying hens live about five to 10 years.
Conclusion: Reasons why chickens are not laying eggs
The above-mentioned list might not be exhaustive, but we have given you the tip of the iceberg.
If you follow the solutions we proffered, you’ll get them back to laying as quickly as possible.
We hope this piece has helped and given you some ideas on how to get your hens laying eggs again.
20 Common Reasons Why Your Chickens Are Not Laying Eggs and Solution