Why Have My Hens Stopped Laying? 5 Reasons for the Fall Egg Slump

One day, you’re gathering breakfast in a basket, the next you’re staring at empty nest boxes, wondering who broke the deal. If your hens stopped laying this fall, don’t panic; this is one of the most common coop mysteries of the season.

The good news: fall egg slumps aren’t a sign your girls are on strike forever. They’re just following their natural rhythms, and a few smart tweaks can get them back on the nest in no time.

Why Hens Stop Laying in Fall

Shorter days flip a biological switch inside your chickens. Light triggers the pituitary gland to release hormones that drive egg production. When daylight hours drop below about 14 hours, hens’ reproductive systems slow or even pause.

Your flock isn’t lazy; they’re conserving energy. Laying eggs takes calcium, protein, and a lot of body fuel. When the sun clocks out early, hens shift that energy toward staying warm and regrowing feathers instead.

If you notice droopy combs and quiet mornings, your birds are likely in rest-and-reset mode. This downtime lets their bodies rebuild internal reserves, preparing them for a strong comeback once the daylight returns.

1. Molting Madness

Molting and fall go together like pumpkins and spice. Most adult hens molt once a year, shedding old, damaged feathers and growing shiny new ones for winter. The process demands high protein and nutrients, which means the body reroutes resources away from eggs.

You can’t stop molting, but you can support it. Offer higher-protein feed or add GrubFuel – Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a daily boost. Protein rebuilds feathers fast and shortens the molting window.

Sprinkle in Buff Clucks Herb Supplement for added immune and digestive support, helping hens bounce back strong and ready to lay when molting ends.

Once feathers fill in, egg baskets fill up again, too. The new plumage signals that your hens have recharged and are ready to get back to their regular laying schedule, bringing your breakfast bounty back to life.

Signs of molting:

• Feathers everywhere (and a very dramatic hen).
• Dull comb color.
• Reduced appetite or quieter demeanor.

2. Daylight Deprivation

If your hens stopped laying this fall, it’s time to think about lighting. Chickens need roughly 14–16 hours of light per day to keep the laying cycle steady.

You can safely extend their “day” using a soft LED bulb on a timer, turning on before sunrise and shutting off naturally at dusk. Consistency is key; sudden changes confuse their internal clocks.

Keep brightness low and warm, like a cozy sunrise, not a blinding spotlight. A gentle glow keeps your hens laying without stress.

3. Nutritional Gaps Sneaking In

When the garden’s gone and bugs are scarce, hens lose their natural smorgasbord. Protein dips, minerals drop, and egg output can nosedive.

Feed is your foundation. During fall, boost nutrition by:

• Ensuring fresh layer feed, not dusty leftovers.
• Mixing in omega-3-rich treats like flaxseed or chia.
• Adding AquaBoost to water for hydration and vitamins that keep metabolism humming.
• Using Buff Clucks Herb Supplement for herbs like oregano and garlic that strengthen immunity and digestion.

A balanced diet rebuilds stamina so your hens can handle molting, cold, and egg production once daylight returns. When every bite counts, consistent nutrients give your flock the energy to recover faster and stay healthy through the darker months.

4. Parasites and Pests Can Make Hens Stop Laying

If egg production suddenly drops and your hens look rough, parasites might be stealing nutrients behind the scenes. Mites, lice, and worms thrive even in cooler weather.

Give your coop a once-over:

• Dust corners and roosts with CoopShield to deter mites and lice.
• Keep bedding dry and change it regularly.
• Treat monthly using WormStop – Natural Dewormer for Chickens, a gentle herbal formula that clears internal worms without interrupting egg use.

Healthy hens lay more. Pest-free hens lay happily. Keeping parasites under control frees up their bodies to use nutrients for feather growth and egg production instead of fighting off freeloaders.

5. Stress, Weather Swings, and Broody Behavior

Fall storms, new flock members, or a loud lawnmower can send stress hormones soaring. High stress suppresses laying, especially when combined with temperature shifts.

Calm things down by:

• Keeping routines steady.
• Offering cozy roosting spots protected from drafts.
• Adding distractions like cabbage heads or a Buff Clucks Chicken Swing to prevent boredom.

A calm coop is a productive coop. Once stress fades, egg count usually rebounds fast.

How to Help Hens Restart Laying

When your hens stopped laying this fall, small adjustments make a big difference. Try these practical fixes:

1. Check light schedule – Add a morning light boost to hit 14 hours total.
2. Feed smarter – Add protein treats and keep minerals consistent.
3. Hydrate often – Clean waterers daily and drop in AquaBoost to encourage drinking.
4. Prevent parasites – Use WormStop monthly and keep coop corners coated in CoopShield.
5. Reduce stress – Maintain space, routine, and a dry, draft-free home.

These steps keep your hens healthy through their natural slowdown so they’re ready to ramp up egg production as soon as daylight returns. Even simple tweaks like better lighting and cleaner bedding can help your flock bounce back faster once the season shifts toward spring.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Force Hens to Start Laying Too Soon

It’s tempting to push hens back into laying with constant light or high-calorie feeds, but remember, nature designed this break for a reason. The fall pause lets their bodies repair, molt, and recharge. Forcing production too soon can lead to weaker shells, nutrient depletion, and faster burnout.

Patience pays off. Think of fall as their spa season before the spring egg boom.

The Coop Comeback

By the time the days stretch again, your girls will strut out of winter gleaming, re-feathered, and ready to lay like champions. Keep notes on when your flock slows and starts back up; it helps you plan lighting and feeding next year.

Consistency, care, and a sprinkle of Buff Clucks magic make the difference between a frustrating fall and a smooth seasonal cycle. Your hens aren’t quitting, they’re just clocking out early for a moltcation. Give them the nutrients, light, and comfort they need, and they’ll be back to dropping golden treasures before you know it.