Why Your Chickens Stopped Laying Eggs

For backyard chicken keepers, few things are more disappointing than heading out to the coop and finding empty nesting boxes—again. I remember the first time it happened to me. My girls had been laying beautifully for months, and then suddenly… nothing. No warning, no clues, just a full coop and zero eggs.

If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve raised chickens for years or you’re relatively new to the flock life, a sudden drop—or complete halt—in egg production can leave you scratching your head.

The good news? In most cases, it’s fixable. Understanding why chickens stop laying eggs is the first step to solving the problem. From seasonal shifts to nutritional needs and even stress, there are several reasons your hens might be taking an unscheduled break.

Let’s walk through the common causes, how to troubleshoot them, and most importantly—how to get your girls laying again.

1. Age: The Natural Slowdown

Why it happens:
Like all living creatures, hens have a biological clock. Most chickens begin laying between 18 to 24 weeks old and are at their peak for the first 2 years. After that, egg production naturally slows down and may eventually stop altogether.

What to do:

Know your flock’s age. If your hens are older than 3-4 years, a drop in laying is normal.
Consider adding younger pullets to your flock to ensure a steady supply of eggs.
Older hens can still contribute by keeping order in the pecking order, foraging, and pest control.

2. Molting: The Seasonal Pause

Why it happens:
Molting is the process where chickens shed old feathers and grow new ones. This typically happens annually in the fall and can last 6 to 16 weeks. During this time, egg production often halts entirely because a hen’s energy is redirected toward feather regrowth.

What to do:

Provide extra protein (18-22%) during the molt to support feather production.
Avoid stressing your hens during molting; it’s already a taxing time on their bodies.
Be patient—laying usually resumes after molting is complete.

3. Nutrition Deficiencies

Why it happens:
Chickens need a well-balanced diet to produce eggs. A lack of protein, calcium, or key vitamins can interfere with reproductive function and egg formation.

What to do:

Ensure your hens are eating a layer feed with at least 16% protein.
Offer a free-choice calcium supplement like crushed oyster shells.
Limit kitchen scraps and treats—too many can dilute the nutrition from their main feed.
Fresh water is critical; dehydration can quickly impact laying.

4. Daylight Hours: Nature’s Timer

Why it happens:
Hens need 14 to 16 hours of daylight to maintain consistent laying. When daylight hours decrease in the fall and winter, it sends a signal to your hens’ bodies to rest, and egg production often slows or stops.

What to do:

Natural approach: Let hens follow nature’s rhythm, understanding egg production will resume in spring.
Artificial lighting: Add a soft light in the coop (timed for early morning) to extend light exposure to 14 hours. Use with caution to avoid disrupting the hens’ natural cycles.

5. Stress and Environmental Changes

Why it happens:
Chickens are sensitive creatures. Changes in their environment—like predators, loud noises, new flock members, or being moved—can cause enough stress to halt egg production.

What to do:

Identify and eliminate stressors where possible.
Keep your coop and run secure from predators.
Introduce new birds slowly and strategically.
Avoid frequent changes to their routine or housing.

6. Parasites and Illness

Why it happens:
Internal parasites (like worms) or external ones (like mites or lice) can take a toll on a hen’s health, reducing or stopping egg production. Diseases like respiratory infections or reproductive issues can also impact laying.

What to do:

Regularly check for signs of mites or lice, especially around the vent area and under wings.
Look for changes in comb color, energy levels, or appetite.
Conduct regular fecal tests or treat preventatively for worms if needed.
Consult a vet for any signs of illness—early treatment can prevent bigger problems.

7. Broodiness

Why it happens:
Some hens go broody—meaning they want to hatch eggs—and will stop laying entirely during this time. They’ll sit on the nest for extended periods, even if no eggs are present.

What to do:

Gently break the broody cycle by removing her from the nest regularly.
Use a “broody breaker” cage (wire-bottomed crate with food and water, no nesting material).
Some breeds are more prone to broodiness (like Silkies and Cochins).

8. Overcrowding or Inadequate Space

Why it happens:
Too many hens in one space can cause stress, competition for nesting boxes, and pecking order issues—all of which may stop egg laying.

What to do:

Provide at least 4 square feet of coop space and 10 square feet of run space per chicken.
Ensure at least one nesting box per 4-5 hens.
Enrich their environment with perches, dust baths, and things to peck at or explore.

9. Hidden or Eaten Eggs

Why it happens:
Sometimes, hens are laying—but you’re not seeing the eggs. They may be laying in secret spots (especially in free-range setups) or other chickens may be eating the eggs.

What to do:

Search around the coop and run for hidden nests.
Observe your flock for signs of egg eating (messy beaks, yolk on feathers).
Add roll-away nesting boxes or gather eggs more frequently.
Ensure enough calcium in their diet to discourage egg eating.

10. Too Many Treats or Kitchen Scraps

Why it happens:
Feeding too many snacks, grains, or scraps can crowd out the nutrients in their regular feed—leading to poor egg production.

What to do:

Treats should be no more than 10% of their total diet.
Stick to high-quality scraps like leafy greens, squash, and limited fruit.
Avoid giving high-carb or processed foods.

11. Extreme Temperatures

Why it happens:
Hot summers or freezing winters can put a strain on a hen’s body, affecting laying. In summer, they may eat less. In winter, their energy is used for warmth.

What to do:

Offer electrolytes during hot weather and ensure shade and cool water are available.
In cold climates, keep the coop dry and draft-free but well-ventilated.
Don’t heat the coop unless absolutely necessary—it’s better for chickens to acclimate.

Raising Chickens: Preparing for Cooler Weather
Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer

12. Breed Matters

Why it happens:
Some chicken breeds are prolific layers (like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds), while others are better suited for meat or ornamental purposes and naturally lay fewer eggs.

What to do:

Know your breeds and their typical laying patterns.
Don’t expect high egg output from heritage or dual-purpose breeds.

13. Medications or Dewormers

Why it happens:
Certain medications or chemical dewormers can temporarily halt egg production or render eggs unsafe to eat for a withdrawal period.

What to do:

Read all labels carefully before administering anything.
Follow withdrawal times if using medicated feeds or treatments.
Consider natural or herbal alternatives when appropriate.

How to Encourage Egg Production Again

If your flock has stopped laying, here’s a quick checklist to help get them back on track:

✅ Evaluate Diet: Ensure a complete layer feed, free-choice calcium, and fresh water.
✅ Check Lighting: Consider adding soft artificial light in winter.
✅ Inspect for Illness/Parasites: Look for signs of mites, lice, and health problems.
✅ Reduce Stress: Maintain a peaceful, secure environment.
✅ Watch for Broodiness or Egg Hiding: Break broodiness gently and check for secret nests.
✅ Track Their Age: Be realistic about older hens slowing down naturally.

When to Let Go or Retire a Hen

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a hen’s laying days are simply behind her. You’ll need to decide whether to keep her on as a beloved “retired” member of your flock or cull for sustainability.

Many backyard keepers choose to keep older hens as pets, letting them live out their days scratching in the dirt and enjoying the good life—even without egg production.