[philbraden]

Hi - we have 4 hens in 2 hen houses in an enclosed run.  I got them 3 months ago at PoL and they have been laying about one a day since.  While I was away, their water wasn't filled one day, and they went for about a day or less without water.  They then stopped laying and have not layed since - 2 weeks now.  They are well fed and healthy looking hens.  Any advice?

Phil.

[SnooziSuzi]

Hi Phil,  welcome to the forum.

I don't think that they will have stopped laying just from going thirsty for a short while... it's more likely that it's to do with their diet or that they might be starting to moult.

What are you feeding them?

are you noticing any feather loss?

Could they be stressed - ie do you have children, dogs or cats that could be antagonising them?

[philbraden]

Thanks so much for your reply.  The hens are showing signs of feather loss.  They should not be stressed, as we do not have any pets, but it is possible that a fox may come by, but the coupe is very well protected and nothing could get in.  What would potentially be causing the feather loss?  Thanks,

Phil

[philbraden]

Oh - and we feed them organic chicken feed bought from Farm and Pet.  Phil.

[Roughlee Handled]

Hi - we have 4 hens in 2 hen houses in an enclosed run.  I got them 3 months ago at PoL and they have been laying about one a day since.  While I was away, their water wasn't filled one day, and they went for about a day or less without water.  They then stopped laying and have not layed since - 2 weeks now.  They are well fed and healthy looking hens.  Any advice?

Phil.

They could be moulting its an annual thing
http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Chickens&cat=Chicken%20Health&sub=moulting

[Kate and her Ducks]

My girls packed up laying almost a month ago now when then started moulting. Hoping they are almost ready to start up again soon. It takes a lot of energy and protein to grow all their new feathers so egg production can go right down or stop.