4 Year Old Hens Not Laying After Molt and Cold Spell, Should I Be Worried?

[WattleScribe]

My hens are 4 years old, and Ive noticed some irregularities in their laying patterns this season. One hen, who molted last year, was laying consistently this fall until we had a severe cold spell. I expected a pause in egg production due to the weather, but even though the temperatures have warmed up for the past month, she still hasnt laid another egg.

I do have another hen who continues to lay regularly, except during particularly cold spells. The hen in question is still very vocalshe does her usual egg announcement noises like she wants to lay, but no eggs appear.

Additionally, I have two other hens that molted hard this fall and havent started laying again yet.

Should I be concerned, or is this just a normal delay in post-molt recovery?

Is there anything I can do to encourage them to start laying again?

[YolkJoker]

Since she's vocal about laying but not producing eggs, she could be experiencing reproductive issues like internal laying or egg binding. I'd check her abdomen for any swelling.

[CrowingChampion]

Adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to their feed can sometimes stimulate laying. It increases circulation without harming the hens,worth a try!

[EggsAndThings]

It's normal for hens to take a while to start laying again after molting, especially after a cold snap. Some take months to get back into a rhythm.

[CoryComb]

Have you checked her diet? Extra protein and calcium can help with post-molt recovery and encourage laying again.

[PoultryPassion]

If she's going into the nest box, making noise, and leaving without laying, she might be egg-bound. Try a warm bath and gentle massage to help her pass an egg if needed.

[FeatheredDreamer]

Could she be laying somewhere hidden? If she's acting like she wants to lay but you aren't finding eggs, she might have a secret nest.

[Eggnigma]

If she went through a full molt, she may just need more time. Some hens take 12-16 weeks to resume laying, especially in winter.

[ChloeCrest]

My hens are 4 years old, and Ive noticed some irregularities in their laying patterns this season. One hen, who molted last year, was laying consistently this fall until we had a severe cold spell. I expected a pause in egg production due to the weather, but even though the temperatures have warmed up for the past month, she still hasnt laid another egg.

I do have another hen who continues to lay regularly, except during particularly cold spells. The hen in question is still very vocalshe does her usual egg announcement noises like she wants to lay, but no eggs appear.

Additionally, I have two other hens that molted hard this fall and havent started laying again yet.

Should I be concerned, or is this just a normal delay in post-molt recovery?

Is there anything I can do to encourage them to start laying again?

Older hens sometimes have “phantom laying” behavior where they still do the routine but lay fewer or no eggs. It's part of the aging process.

[BettyBantam]

If she's otherwise active, eating, and looking healthy, I wouldn't worry too much. Some hens just take their time getting back into the swing of things.