Quick answer: The most common reasons are shorter days in fall and winter, molting, age and stress. Hens need about 14-16 hours of light to lay well, so production naturally drops in winter. Check their feed (a layer feed with 16% protein plus oyster shell), look for hidden nests and pests, and give them time: most hens start again in spring.
How we picked: we compared specifications and buyer reviews on Amazon.com and looked for recurring problems. We have not tested every product in person.
Few things worry a new chicken keeper more than an empty nesting box. In most cases nothing is wrong: hens simply follow the seasons. But sometimes the cause is something you can fix. Here are the nine most common reasons, roughly in order of how often they happen.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch and Peck Layer Mash | Quality layer feed | Check on Amazon |
| Scratch and Peck Oyster Shell | Calcium for strong shells | Check on Amazon |
| Oyster Shell and Grit Feeder Combo | Keeps supplements tidy | Check on Amazon |
| BN-LINK Outdoor Programmable Timer | For supplemental light | Check on Amazon |
Products that can help
Scratch and Peck Layer Mash
An organic, non-GMO layer feed with more than a thousand ratings. A balanced feed is the base of good laying.
- 1,000+ ratings
- Organic, non-GMO
- Complete layer feed
- More expensive than store brands
Scratch and Peck Oyster Shell
Free-choice oyster shell gives laying hens the extra calcium they need for strong eggshells.
- Highly rated
- Natural calcium
- Lasts a long time
- Offer it separately, not mixed in feed
Oyster Shell and Grit Feeder Combo
A small two-compartment feeder for oyster shell and grit, so hens can take what they need.
- Hundreds of ratings
- Less waste
- Cheap
- Small capacity
BN-LINK Outdoor Programmable Timer
If you choose to add light in winter, a reliable outdoor timer lets you add morning light automatically.
- Tens of thousands of ratings
- Outdoor rated
- 7-day programs
- You need a coop light too
The 9 most common reasons
- Shorter days: from fall to late winter, less daylight means fewer eggs. This is normal.
- Molting: in fall, hens lose and regrow feathers for 8-12 weeks and stop laying to save protein.
- Age: laying peaks in the first two years and drops each year after.
- Stress: moving, new flock members, predators, loud noise or extreme heat can stop laying for weeks.
- Diet: too many treats or scratch grains and not enough layer feed. Treats should be under 10% of the diet.
- Not enough water: frozen or dirty water quickly reduces laying.
- Broodiness: a broody hen sits on the nest and stops laying until she gives up or hatches chicks.
- Parasites: mites, lice or worms weaken hens. Check under the wings and around the vent at night.
- Hidden nests: free-range hens may be laying somewhere else in the yard.
Should you add light in winter?
Adding a few hours of light in the morning (to reach about 14 hours) keeps many hens laying through winter. It is a personal choice: some keepers prefer to give hens a natural break, which may help them stay healthy for longer. If you add light, add it in the morning so hens go to roost naturally at dusk, and use a safe, coop-rated LED light on a timer.
When to worry
See a vet or an experienced keeper if a hen stops laying and also looks unwell: puffed up, not eating, a swollen belly, pale comb or straining. Those can be signs of illness, not just a pause in laying.
馃憠 Keep water flowing in winter with a heated chicken waterer, and check their space with the coop calculator.
FAQ
Why did my chickens suddenly stop laying?
The most common causes are shorter days, molting, stress or a change in diet. Sudden stops after a predator scare or a move are common and usually temporary.
How long do chickens stop laying in winter?
Many hens slow down or stop from late fall until the days get longer in late winter or early spring.
Do chickens need a light to lay eggs?
They need about 14-16 hours of light to lay steadily. Without extra light, laying drops in winter, which is natural.
At what age do chickens stop laying?
Hens lay best in their first two years. Production drops every year after that, and many hens lay only occasionally after 5-6 years.