🥚 Why Did My Chicken Stop Laying Eggs?

If you’ve raised chickens for a while, you might wake up one morning, check the nesting boxes, and find... nothing. No eggs! 😱 It’s natural to wonder, “Why did my chicken stop laying eggs?” Don’t worry—there are several reasons why your hens may have taken a break, and most of them are completely normal.

Let’s explore the common causes behind a drop in egg production and what you can do about it.

🌱 1. Age Matters

Hens are most productive between 6 months and 2 years old. After that, egg production gradually slows down. If your chicken is 3 years or older, it may simply be entering a natural decline. While some older hens still lay occasionally, it’s perfectly normal for them to retire.

🐓 2. Molting Season

Once a year, chickens molt, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. This process requires a lot of energy, and egg laying often stops during this time. Molting usually occurs in the fall and lasts 4 to 12 weeks.

Tip: Offer extra protein during molting to support feather regrowth and overall health.

❄️ 3. Shorter Daylight Hours

Chickens need at least 14–16 hours of daylight to lay regularly. In the winter, shorter days can cause hens to take a break. This is natural!

Some chicken keepers use supplemental lighting in the coop to encourage laying, but many choose to let their hens rest.

🍽️ 4. Nutrition Issues

Egg laying is hard work, and it requires good nutrition. If your chickens aren’t getting enough protein, calcium, or other essential nutrients, their egg production will drop—or stop altogether.

Make sure your flock is eating a high-quality layer feed, and supplement with crushed oyster shells for extra calcium.

😷 5. Stress or Illness

Chickens are more sensitive than they seem. Predator scares, changes in routine, illness, or even bullying within the flock can lead to stress that affects egg laying.

Watch for signs of illness, mites, or respiratory issues. Also keep an eye out for bullying or overcrowding in the coop.

🥚 6. Broodiness

Some hens decide they want to hatch chicks and go broody—they’ll sit on eggs (or even empty nesting boxes) for weeks, refusing to lay.

If you don’t want chicks, gently break the broodiness by removing her from the nest regularly and keeping her cool.

📦 7. Hidden or Broken Eggs

Sometimes your hen is still laying, just not where you expect. Free-range hens love to find sneaky spots to hide their eggs, or sometimes eggs get broken or eaten before you notice.

Check around the coop, under bushes, or behind hay bales for a secret stash!

🧘‍♀️ Be Patient and Observe

The key to solving an egg-laying mystery is observation. Keep an eye on your hens’ behavior, appearance, and droppings. A balanced diet, a clean and stress-free coop, and a little patience go a long way.

🐔 Final Thoughts

Chickens are creatures of rhythm and nature. Temporary drops in egg production are often completely normal. As long as your hens look and act healthy, they’re probably just taking a well-earned break.

If you’ve noticed a longer pause or signs of illness, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet or experienced chicken keeper.