Why Your Hens Stopped Laying Eggs: What Causes & Solutions

One of the most frustrating challenges in layer farming is when hens stop laying eggs unexpectedly.

Several factors can cause this decline in egg production, including stress, poor-quality feeds, diseases, age, and deworming delays.

Understanding these issues can help restore egg production and maintain a healthy flock.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main reasons why your hens stopped laying and how to fix them.

1. Poor-Quality Layer Feeds – Lack of Proper Nutrition

Problem:
Many poultry farmers unknowingly buy substandard feeds that fail to meet the standard 16-18% protein content required for optimal egg production. Protein is expensive, and some feed manufacturers omit key protein ingredients, leading to malnourished hens.

Effects of Poor Feeds:

• Reduced egg production
• Egg quality issues (thin shells, small eggs)
• Prolapse (Egg Blow-Outs):
  • Happens when the bird is too heavy or the egg is too large
  • The reproductive tract is expelled with the egg, causing permanent damage or death

Solution:

• Supplement feeds with high-protein sources like sunflower seedcake
• Ensure the hens get enough calcium for strong eggshells
• Purchase feeds from trusted suppliers

2. Diseases – A Major Cause of Egg Production Drops

Problem:

Diseases are one of the first reasons hens stop laying. Sick birds will show a gradual or sudden decline in egg production, followed by other symptoms like:

• Dull and listless appearance
• Watery eyes and nostrils
• Coughing or sneezing
• Molting (losing feathers too early)
• Lameness or inability to walk
• Increased mortality in the flock

Solution:

• Early disease diagnosis is critical
• Regular vaccinations and treatment
• Maintain biosecurity by preventing contact with infected birds

3. Stress – Environmental & Social Factors Affecting Laying

Problem:
Hens are easily stressed, and stress can reduce egg production by up to 40%. Stress can be caused by:

• Moving the chickens (changing their environment)
• Weather changes (extreme heat, cold, or storms)
• Fighting among hens (social pecking order disputes)
• Parasites (such as fleas and mites)

Read Also: How Many Eggs Can 200 Layers Produce Per Day?

Solution:

• Keep the poultry house calm and minimize disturbances
• Use proper ventilation and temperature control to prevent heat stress
• Treat external parasites to keep hens comfortable

4. Deworming – A Hidden but Critical Factor

Problem:
Many farmers overlook deworming, yet worms significantly reduce egg-laying ability. Common poultry worms that affect laying include:

• Large Roundworms
• Gapeworms
• Caecal Worms

Hens with heavy worm infestations suffer from malnutrition and reduced productivity.

Solution:

• Deworm chickens at least once a month
• Use recommended poultry dewormers to prevent heavy infestations

5. Age – Old Hens Lay Fewer Eggs

Problem:
Hens older than 2-3 years naturally lay fewer eggs. A good laying hen will produce eggs for about 50 to 60 weeks per laying cycle, but:

• Between these cycles, hens go through a rest period called molting
• Older hens molt more frequently and lay fewer eggs

Read Also: How to Start Poultry Farming in Kenya 2025

Solution:

• Remove non-productive hens from the flock to save feeding costs
• Introduce new, younger layers to maintain high production

Final Thoughts: How to Boost Egg Production

If your hens have stopped laying eggs, identify the root cause and take quick action. Here’s a summary of key solutions:

• Provide high-protein and calcium-rich feeds
• Treat diseases early & maintain poultry health
• Minimize stress by controlling the environment
• Deworm chickens regularly
• Replace old hens with young layers

By following these steps, you can restore egg production and ensure your poultry farm remains profitable.

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