Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying Eggs? 10 Common Reasons (And When to Worry)
There’s nothing quite like walking out to the coop expecting a basket full of fresh eggs, only to discover one… or none at all.
If you’re new to raising backyard chickens, a sudden drop in egg production can be worrying. Is something wrong? Are your hens sick? Should you change their feed?
The truth is, there are many perfectly normal reasons why chickens stop laying eggs. We’ve experienced several of them ourselves at Lucky Clucks Farm, especially after expanding our flock and moving everyone into a brand-new coop.
Here’s what we’ve learned.
1. Stress
Stress is one of the biggest reasons hens temporarily stop laying.
Moving to a new coop, introducing new flock members, predator scares, extreme weather, or even changes in routine can all affect egg production.
When we moved our flock into our new blue coop and combined two flocks, our egg numbers dropped noticeably for a couple of weeks. Once everyone settled into their new home, production slowly began increasing again.
Patience is often the best remedy.
2. Molting
Every year, chickens replace their feathers.
Growing new feathers requires a tremendous amount of energy, so many hens either reduce or completely stop laying during molt.
Although it can be disappointing, molting is completely natural.
3. Shorter Days
Hens rely on daylight to trigger egg production.
As the days become shorter in the fall and winter, many backyard flocks naturally lay fewer eggs unless supplemental lighting is used.
We prefer allowing our hens to follow their natural seasonal rhythm.
4. Age
Young pullets eventually begin laying, but older hens naturally slow down over time.
Most breeds produce their highest number of eggs during their first two years before gradually decreasing.
That doesn’t mean they’re no longer valuable members of the flock—they’ve certainly earned their retirement.
5. Nutrition
A balanced layer feed should always be the foundation of your chickens’ diet.
Too many treats can reduce the nutrients hens need for consistent egg production.
Fresh water is equally important.
6. Broodiness
Some hens become determined to hatch eggs.
A broody hen may spend most of the day sitting in the nesting box and lay very few eggs herself during that period.
Certain breeds, like Silkies, are especially well known for becoming broody.
7. Illness
Respiratory infections, parasites, injuries, and other illnesses can all reduce egg production.
If several hens stop laying and also appear lethargic, lose their appetite, or show signs of illness, it’s worth investigating further.
8. Extreme Heat
Hot summer weather places extra stress on chickens.
During heat waves, hens often eat less and drink more, causing egg production to decline.
Providing shade, fresh water, and good airflow helps reduce heat stress.
9. Predators
Sometimes hens aren’t laying less—they’re simply laying somewhere else.
If your chickens free-range, they may create hidden nests in tall grass, bushes, or outbuildings.
It’s always worth checking before assuming they’ve stopped laying altogether.
10. Major Changes
Any significant change can temporarily affect production.
Examples include:
- Moving coops
- Introducing new birds
- Predator activity
- New feed
- Construction
- Changes to their environment
Fortunately, healthy hens usually return to normal once they feel comfortable again.
When Should You Be Concerned?
A temporary decline is usually nothing to worry about.
However, you should investigate further if:
- Egg production suddenly stops across the entire flock without an obvious reason.
- Hens appear sick or unusually quiet.
- Multiple birds show respiratory symptoms.
- Birds stop eating or drinking.
- You notice weight loss or significant changes in behaviour.
Trust your instincts. You know your flock better than anyone.
Lessons We Learned
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that chickens don’t like change nearly as much as we do.
When we built our dream coop, we were excited to move everyone into their beautiful new home.
Our hens… not so much.
Some refused to roost inside at first. Egg production slowed. Everyone needed time to establish a new routine.
Looking back now, everything worked out exactly as it should have. The experience reminded us that patience is often one of the most valuable tools any chicken keeper can have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can chickens stop laying after moving?
Many hens return to normal within a few weeks once they feel secure in their new environment.
Is it normal for new chickens to lay before older hens?
Yes. Some birds adjust to change more quickly than others.
Should I change my feed if egg production drops?
Not immediately. Consider recent changes, weather, stress, molt, and daylight before making major adjustments.
Final Thoughts
A sudden drop in eggs doesn’t always mean something is wrong.
More often than not, your hens are simply responding to changes in their environment, the seasons, or their natural life cycle.
With good nutrition, a safe home, and a little patience, most flocks return to normal on their own.
Remember—healthy chickens don’t always produce the same number of eggs every day, and that’s perfectly okay.
Lessons from Lucky Clucks
Every project, every new flock member, and every challenge teaches us something. We hope sharing our experiences helps make your own backyard chicken journey a little easier.