Nature's Schedule: Understanding When and Why Hens Stop Laying

Why Hens Are Not Pez Dispensers-or Egg Machines

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking of our backyard hens as little breakfast makers-drop an egg, repeat daily. But here's the truth: your hens are not Pez dispensers, egg machines or tiny omelet factories. They're living, breathing animals with complex bodies, natural rhythms and individual needs.

Every egg your hen lays isn't a "product." It's ovulation-a natural reproductive process that takes energy, nutrients and rest. When we start seeing eggs as a gift instead of a guarantee, we begin to care for our hens in a way that truly supports their health and happiness.

Egg Laying is Ovulation - Not "Breakfast Production"

When a hen lays an egg, she's actually ovulating-the same biological process that happens in many female species. The yolk is the hen's ovum (egg cell), released from her ovary and surrounded by albumen (egg white) and a shell during its passage through the oviduct.

This means every egg your hen lays is part of her natural reproductive cycle, not a product being manufactured for human consumption. She doesn't lay eggs for you-she lays because that's what her body is designed to do during reproductive phase.

Understanding this helps backyard chicken keepers develop a deeper respect for their hens as animals, not as tools for breakfast production.

Hens Are Living Creatures, Not Egg Machines

Like all animals, hens experience:

• Fatigue from constant laying cycles

• Hormonal changes during molting or seasonal shifts

• Nutritional needs that vary with age and production levels

• Emotional stress from environmental changes or predator threats

When egg production slows or stops, it's not your hen "failing" you-it's her body doing what it needs to stay healthy. Recognizing this is the foundation of ethical, compassionate chicken keeping.

The Truth About Diet and Egg Production

The number one factor that determines egg production and quality is nutrition- not lighting, supplements or the season.

A hen's body must have adequate protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals to form healthy eggshells and maintain her own physical condition. When treats, (even healthy treats), scratch grains or kitchen leftovers replace too much of her balanced layer feed, she's left short on essential nutrients.

That can lead to:

• Thin or soft-shelled eggs

• Decreased laying frequency

• Feather loss or dull plumage (the inability to be able to regrow feathers)

• General fatigue or health decline

In short, what goes in determines what comes out.

Treats: Keep Them in Check

We all love spoiling our chickens, but moderation is key. Treats should make up no more than 5-10% of their total diet. Even healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, mealworms can upset nutritional balance when overdone. But how do you ensure all chickens receive their 5-10%? There is a pecking order, the hen at the top of the pecking order is going to get more of her 5-10%. She will now be the one with the most unbalanced diet.

A good rule of thumb: if you're offering treats, reduce them to a few times a week and keep portions small. Think of them as reward, not a replacement for their main feed.

Supporting Natural Laying Health

Instead of trying to "push" more eggs, focus on keeping your hens healthy and content. Provide:

• A balanced complete feed formulated for layers (little to no treats or healthy food items)

• Clean water at all times (you achieve this by using a poultry nipple drinker, not an open water source)

• Access to oyster shell for calcium support

• Stress-free living conditions with space, safety and comfort

When your hens feel secure and nourished , their bodies naturally return to laying at their own pace.

Nutritional Support You Can Trust

Help your hens thrive with natural supplements designed to support digestive and reproductive health:

• Chick' N Prebiotics - Promotes strong gut health and better nutrient absorption, helping hens make the most of their feed.

• Chick' N Protect - Keeps your coop environment fresh and low-stress, promoting overall wellness and laying consistency.

By focusing on diet, environment and care-not output-you'll enjoy happier hens and healthier eggs, naturally.

Final Thoughts

Your hens are not breakfast factories-they are remarkable animals with complex bodies that deserve respect and care. When we stop seeing them as machines and start understanding them as living creatures, chicken keeping becomes more rewarding for both sides.

Eggs are a gift, not a guarantee-and when you nurture your hens well, that gift is all the more meaningful.