the0ast Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Hi all I need some advice please! One of my hens has not laid for just over 2 weeks. We have had her from POL in May. If I read anything about hens not laying it always comes up with the same reasons and I am pretty sure it isn't any of these... do hens every just stop? She's not molting - still under a year anyway, so not even due a molt She's not broody Not being bullied Eating and drinking normally Not egg bound Was wormed about a month ago with Flubenvet No mites Pooing normally No reasons to think she is stressed Clearly sunlight isn't an issue as it's mid August Eating probably 95% layers pellets so nutrition not an issue Pretty sure no egg eating as I get eggs from the others Not age - still under a year! No secret nests - they do free range but only on a fenced area of grass, no bushes, etc to hide them in Help please?! Many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 She's a diva! Perhaps feeling the heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Some just stop and never lay again for no apparent reason. Some never lay at all and we have one over 6 years old and still no egg. The only other reason not on your list is peritonitis, which is a condition whereby the yolk misses the oviduct and ends up in the abdomen. This can happen in all hens and the yolk is simply re-absorbed, but if the quantity is too large their system eventually can't cope. What you are looking for is a large swollen abdomen. If it then becomes red and hot it will be infected. Sure there are plenty of posts on this subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the0ast Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 Thank you for your replies. Any ideas are very much appreciated as I'm at a complete loss! I thought chickens started to stand/walk funnily (penguin stance) when they were internally laying? Plus generally appeared unwell? However, her comb is still red? How long until it fades back to pink if she's ceased laying? This is my first year with chickens so I'm still learning.... ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 If she's thinking about laying she'll probably start crouching. Her red comb is good and indication she's healthy. One of my hybrids gave up laying after 6 months and just gave me the very occasional wonky egg for 5 years. Sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the0ast Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 She still squats for our top hen - I see her do this most days.... is this a good sign then? I know the starting to squat thing is a sign that pullets are coming into lay... but no idea whether they stop squatting when they give up laying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I've not known any squat when not laying so fingers crossed for you for safe delivery of an egg soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the0ast Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 Super! Thank you so much for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetpea08 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 did she ever lay again? i have an orpington that is exactly the same no eggs for last two weeks she did spend some time in nest box earlier in wek so i am hopeful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Down under you're going into Spring so I'm hopeful for you. Rest of us mostly have to wait for February or in the case of my old girls pigs flying by Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetpea08 Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Yippe after 17 days she finlly laid again now for her to keep going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Hooray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 That's good first of many Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 So pleased for you - not that I'm jealous or anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetpea08 Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 (edited) Just a quick update miss marshmellow continues to be very erratic in her laying we havent had eggs from her for 2 weeks. I do wonder if thi terrible summer we have had jas got anything to do with it. wse have one nice day then back to rubbish i am over the wind and the rain and just want some nice calm warm days. The other 2 are laying well although i am sure one thinks its time to molt but she is still laying so thats good at least. Edited February 6, 2017 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
