3 Reasons Your Chickens Stopped Laying Eggs

Healthy, happy, well fed hens should lay lots of eggs. Let's go through this one by one starting with health. All chickens need a few things to be healthy, they need to be dewormed regularly, they need grit every day to digest their food properly, and they need lots of calcium to make eggs and their muscles need it to push the eggs out so they don't get egg bound.
The second thing to think about is nutrition, the food the eat every day. Hens need tons of animal protein to make eggs. Chickens are meat eaters. When you let them free range, they run straight to the woods to dig up bugs. When you keep them in a smaller yard or in a coop you need to feed them the animal protein they need. It is up to you. You can buy dry meal worms in a bag at feed stores like Tractor Supply and Rural King. You can feed some grain free cat or dog kibble. Make sure it’s not large dog kibble because the pieces will be too big. Canned meat like sardines and tuna work good and are perfect for a winter boost. Table scraps are a great way to use up food so you don't have to throw it away.
Last but not least is the comfort of the hens in the henhouse. They need a roost, clean nest boxes and really, really important is not to have too many chickens in your coop.
Get my new book “Becky’s Guide To Raising Backyard Chickens” here: beckyshomestea...
How does a chicken make an egg: • How do chicken eggs ge...
Natural deworming for chickens: • Do your chickens have ...

[@oooops537]

@Becky's Homestead. 7:45. Look at how absolutely trusting and calm your little chicken is in the giant mans hands. Your all adorable and a favorite to watch and learn from.

[@GreenFamily2007]

I don't even have to watch the video to hit the "like" button, because I already know if Becky makes a video on chickens, I'm gunna love it!!

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your awesome☀️❤️☀️

[@t.m.23]

Agreed!

[@yolindaocon1809]

Eggnest@@BeckysHomestead

[@anthonymubanga4195]

This is great continue educating us

[@gambitjoao]

(gonna)

[@brendachapman4559]

Thanks Ms. Becky! I have 9 hens and was down to 3 to 5 eggs a day and we just thought it was cold weather. After seeing your video I took some dried cat food and some left over bacon grease from a pan where we had breakfast this morning and coated the cat food with it. We also put some oyster shells out in a bowl for them. We had 8 eggs the same day after this! Going to give them some grit tomorrow. Thanks again from a newbie chicken Mom. Much Love and Blessings

[@liberta2570]

Wow, that's great. I'm going to try this, thanks!

[@ishatpreetkaurcheema6033]

You are so precise and good at what you know! Thank you for sharing! It helped me a lot with my chickens and they are laying eggs back again!

[@sampson536]

Thank you Becky...one chicken wasn't laying..more calcium and grits worked. Worked i just a few days. I order the Demetrius earth though and will use that too. So very happy...me and the chicken.

[@ReNewedRootsHomestead]

I just found you and I love what you're teaching me! We have 7 RIR's that are 24 weeks old. We are waiting for eggs! As I've watched a few of your videos about your girls, I'm concerned that we may have too many in our coop. We built a 4x6 portable coop, because we live in a neighborhood with a standard yard. The other thing is, they love to sleep in the nesting boxes. Well, some sleep in and the others roost on the sides of the boxes. There are 2 boxes and we've noticed they like 1 over the other. We have a log for them to roost, from one side to the other 4' across, but I didn't know I could move them from the boxes to the roost. I already started calling them to sit on it today and will work on that tonight. I've cleaned out the coop and the nesting boxes

[@barrythompson5680]

In my estimation your coop is too small for 7 RIRs. They need a foot of roosting space, for example. Chickens like to sleep in a high spot on a roost. The ones who sleep in the nesting boxes are doing it because they don't have choice. Do you have a chicken run? Big chickens need about 4 square feet in the coop and about 12 outside.

[@staceylrogers]

Your chickens look gorgeous!

[@horsenerd]

I just rescued 7 hens that were dumped in a forestry block near where I live. Great advice as a couple are just starting to lay now! 🐓🐣

[@BeckysHomestead]

Good for you☀️❤️☀️

[@ninjakitty11000]

7 is a lucky number thats what i started at!

[@TommyBrown-Joliet]

Thanks for the good advice. You are a chicken guru. My wife was against me from getting chickens, but now that we have them she loves them.

[@BeckysHomestead]

Hahaha she is a chicken convert. Tell her "welcome to the flock"☀️❤️☀️

[@dmp4845]

My husband was the same.

[@mistysedillo1696]

I have learned so much from you. But every single time I watch, I learn something new! Love your channel!❤

[@crosbykabir2418]

you all probably dont care but does any of you know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.

[@jadkylan7774]

@Crosby Kabir Instablaster :)

[@crosbykabir2418]

@Jad Kylan i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@crosbykabir2418]

@Jad Kylan it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@jadkylan7774]

@Crosby Kabir you are welcome :D

[@evangelinenkuene4111]

Am delighted seeing the presentation and will be following it thanks Ni

[@damonfranklin9882]

I appreciate the duel understanding

[@MONEYwithMARKALBERT]

Becky's is always so happy and enjoyable to listen to!!! Thanks for the info.

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@theoldfartsfarm5637]

It is her high voice

[@lindseypotts857]

I just love you. You bring so much cheer into my life with your happy and upbeat spirit. Also i have learned so much I hope my chickens are happy as yours are

[@stephanieshaw8820]

Becky I love watching your videos. you have great advice, I have learned a lot from you. My girls are all so happy and healthy.I get more eggs now than ever. We just built a much bigger run, they love it.

[@HydeandSeekFamily]

Thank you! We have lots of chickens and we're still learning.

[@CnJWade]

Becky you are so helpful, and down to earth!! Thank you for all your videos

[@christianpkp9050]

Thank you Beckys and God bless you.

[@MsIrfan1989]

It's amazing and very useful becky, then what about natural way for deworming???

[@pamlambert5138]

Thank you for sharing 🙂. You are delightful people. God Bless

[@richardscarlett7942]

the crushed oyster shell are also grit for gizzards

[@UsmanFaraz854]

Thanx for sharing your ideas and love the way you express, thats practical tips and useful for many layer farmers 😊😊😊

[@Jstaman]

Becky you are WAY to cheerful while telling me why my girls ain't laying for me.

[@chris37ca]

Love your videos, your the best homesteader on KZbin! Keep up the helpful work💯👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@BeckysHomestead]

Thank you so much. I started the Homestead revolution so I'm glad it took off. I think people are doing the best they can☀️❤️☀️

[@betodruid4422]

Aunt Becky, very pleasant video you did , well done !

[@BeckysHomestead]

Thanks☀️❤️☀️

[@ronelweiser6866]

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@rushramel]

Your such a blessing. Starting my own mini farm and there's a wealth of information flowing from you. Thanks and plz keep posting!

[@BeckysHomestead]

Awesome, Giddy up the country is calling☀️❤️☀️

[@kittiepride7772]

If any of you have chickens that have stopped laying eggs, change their feed to goat feed, thousands of people having the same problem and changing the feed is working. Purina and producers pride were named.......im "sure" it was an "accident" but change their feed and that seems to be getting them laying again.

[@myislandsadventurecharter2300]

I'm so happy you mentioned hot dogs. Our chickens went crazy over hot dogs. I was experimenting. They were crowing so bad when I was bbqing. They went crazy! Plus i found they like cooked hot dogs moreso over cold straight out of the pkg. As do I! 😂

[@BeckysHomestead]

Hahaha spoiled chickens😂

[@tkomla]

Ms Becky, you are my Queen 👑💜🐔 Sending much gratitude for all your do. Many thanks also to your flock and son 😊

[@anthonyjack98]

Hi how you doing

[@LJFullHouse]

Thank you for all your videos on hens. I only have 4 hens and a rooster in a 4x8 coop. They quit laying when my husband put a floor in the bottom instead of the dirt floor. I'm figuring it reduced air flow, and they aren't happy anymore. I'm either going to take the floor out, or drill some vent holes in the walls just above the floor.

[@AraceliTorres-om6lp]

I love your videos…..you give the best advice with a lot of common sense and easy to understand…….thank you for that…..I love chickens as a child my grandmother always kept chickens and when I see chickens free range I’m taken back to my happy place I’m now 62 and live in the city and wish I was able to keep chickens now……❤❤❤ what’s your opinion on Wyandottes? I love the brown eggs….but not so dark as the Marans…..

[@BeckysHomestead]

I love chickens too! I truly like all chickens but my favorite are Black Australopes because they are the best egg layers. ☀️❤️☀️

[@evand2911]

Becky could you do a video on Myths about homesteading or maybe things you said you were never going to do but ended up doing?

[@JeannePsalm91]

Great idea!

[@scottsmith4111]

Hey Becky thank you for the great information these are all good things to know when I do eventually get my property thank you so very much have a blessed one

[@charlenesirman3588]

Thank you Becky for the information

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your so welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@littleacresfarm8647]

I love your videos you inspired me to start my own KZbin channel it will never be as big as yours 💜💜💜

[@manuelojeda9144]

Can you crush egg shells and feed them those for calcium.??

[@tsmcbride06]

Yes but you have to clean and bake the shells.

[@tinaf.5546]

Hi Becky.....I love your videos so much.

[@rebecca51913]

You are the chicken queen ❤🐔! I love your videos. They are very educational and informative and I thank you for helping me care for chickens! Your videos have helped me so much! God bless😍

[@KabyemeraGrace]

Waawo, i like ur teachings

[@canterlilyfarm]

Very nice, informative video. My two girls and I are purchasing our first baby chicks in about two weeks. We can't wait! 😍

[@BeckysHomestead]

How exciting. Make sure you have your coop all built and ready and start small☀️❤️☀️

[@canterlilyfarm]

@@BeckysHomestead My girls don't know we're finally getting chickens. So my dads surprising my girls in a couple weeks by bringing over a chicken coop he built. My girls have been asking for chickens since they were 3&4, they are now 11&12. Never have stopped asking. As soon as coop is over here I'm getting the chicks, starting with 6.

[@IqbalKhan-uy9hx]

Thank you Becky for such a informative video.

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@benjijocson4947]

Thank you very very much Ms Becky. Although i have chickens for very long time , many on what i heard from you now sounds so new to me and very informative. Coz now i plan to breed the hens i collected. Thanks a lot again for tips and information. 👍😊 God bless you always.

[@reneeluerailikedesigningcr8355]

Cool video. My mom's name is also Becky. We now have our own garden. I have been watching since you started.

[@BeckysHomestead]

Way to go. I love to garden☀️❤️☀️

[@judithcolclasure3430]

Becky you and your son are amazing people. I have learned a lot from your videos , thanks very much

[@71160000]

Number one age. Chickens lay for a period of time and then simply get too old. Second, fall and shorter days as chickens need long days to lay. Third is nutrition. The best egg production I've ever gotten was from feeding chickens bags of wild bird seed that I bought as a pallet close out for 25 cents a 20lb bag. My young rhode island reds are producing nearly one egg per chicken per day on laying pellets and food scraps. I do have a light over their run so the days seem longer.

[@jrbarriga8357]

I use calcium enriched layer from tractor supply & occasional treats like meal worms n stuff

[@valhanvold3386]

You are so,so fun, & very informative Thank you

[@fernandovelasco3006]

IPO

[@lisavarekamp8009]

Thanks for the tip on grit all the time I used to only put it down once in a while.

[@GraceLWhite]

Ms. Becky, first I love your channel, it is so helpful. I am fairly new to backyard chickens. And I have a few questions. I thought I was doing everything right and through this video I learned that they need grit along with the oyster shells I’ve been providing!!! I feel terrible that I’ve not been providing it. Thank you thank you thank you!! And yes, when my girls are out ranging they LOVE the cat food.

[@chickenpotpie3215]

If your chickens are free ranging they’ll find the pebbles needed.

[@lenadial4678]

1. Grit 2. Calcium & what was the 3rd. one?

[@boxelder9167]

@@lenadial4678 3. Protein.

[@jmreg7391]

Thanks Becky! God Bless you

[@sefakolichaba7905]

I just found your video helped me,and i am really excited about this

[@roslyndrayton6716]

Thank you Becky!

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@cariad81]

Becky can you address soft eggs broken when they come out of the coop, three of my leghorns at night drop them on the bottom of the coop. It's everyday.. they have grit, oyster shell and have been wormed but still do it. I give them Zolcal D and other supplements. I give them layers pellets too. .

[@ryangarvey8207]

cariad81 this is definitely late but I’m guessing they got too much protein. If there is a giant influx of bugs in their diet because of free ranging or too many treats than they will lay soft eggs. Just make sure they eat a balanced diet

[@cariad81]

@Blue Skies I havent got my chickens now, had to rehome them.

[@Henkvanpeer]

Tnx dor the infol you make a good team.

[@t.m.23]

I have learned a lot from this lovely lady. Great videos Ms. Becky! Keep up the great work. 👍🏻

[@jamesclark9347]

Along with your three The Latest is the change in the feed from the feed store .

[@GH-yf2dq]

Hi Becky. Really enjoy all you videos. I even bought your book. I have a question and would like your opinion. I read that fermenting your chickens feed is very healthy for them. What do you think?

[@savage22bolt32]

Nice vid! In my teen years, my family had chickens. I remember finding a nightcrawler and threw it amongst them. They ran in and got a look, but wouldn't eat it. Maybe too big? There was a beautiful blackberry bush, and I was picking berries. If I dropped one, it was gone in a second! I dug up a piece of that bush, and now, 50 years later, its growing in my back yard. Maybe I'll get a few chicks this year too.

[@JeannePsalm91]

I just love how you explain everything. I truly appreciate learning from you. Thanks you.

[@anthonyjack98]

Hi hope you're having a good time today

[@mohammadkhan6210]

hi yiu looks so cool

[@basraabdulle3526]

I just want to say thanks for all your educating me I'm starting to have a little farm and I grew up on a farm and I love animals specially chickens or all birds and the sheep and goats or all animals your good teacher, what is deworms means kill the worms from your chekins bells

[@Syoma]

Miss Becky, Please make videos about guinea fowls? I want to learn about them.

[@skifa2282]

I need to know from her too

[@danielluti8312]

Great info thank you Becky

[@rl643]

Hi Mrs Becky I loved your Videos your joy and love of chickens came threw with great info . Now it more like a commercial 😪

[@TheBullsGarden]

Thanks for all the great information Becky

[@kadharzcomedy839]

Wow.. Absolutely incredible stuff from this incredible angel,,, Becky wish 2 see one day.. It's a dream

[@davidgardner5410]

I just love your videos. You need to have this young man in more of them. I like him already.😉

[@daniellestiegelmeyer6051]

Thank you Becky for your awesome videos!

[@caddycraft6823]

I (on purpose ) raised soldier-fly larvae for chickens when I lived in the south, I did this with part of my compost vermiculture bins and was a real fun experience with the 4h projects for a few years, I highly recommend this method to feed a family food flock! very economical.

[@conniebrasher4845]

.how to do this

[@carolconklin3652]

How??

[@conniechaffin6197]

I want to do this 😊

[@diannekeen2608]

There's a lot of info on KZbin about breeding BSF (black soldier fly). I followed the video from Gardening Australia. Simple & cheap to make. Keep it away from the house because it can really pong.

[@cathybronson1312]

Becky, I love your spirit. I watch all your videos.

[@leemckay1059]

Love your videos, keep them coming.😊❤️

[@kadharzcomedy839]

Me 2

[@anthonyjack98]

Hi hope you're having a lovely weekend

[@lindasapiecha2515]

One of a very few channels I like Thanks for all the info 😊

[@rodneycriqui3983]

Add water to scratch and feed in bucket cover for 3- 4 days stir daily cuts feed costs more digestible. Add sunflower seeds soy bean meal. Chicken love it. Add calcium too. Absorbs in the feed

[@janetbaker1945]

Scratch is expensive!

[@dennispopp4888]

Thank You Becky. Great information . Great video !

[@irenesgardenandmore]

❤ you are so knowledgeable Becky ! Thanks

[@tcasa587]

@beckyshomestead Thanks so much. I just ordered grit and diatomaceous earth. I live in Arizona and figured my soil had enough grit, but I'll be adding it to their run. One problem I have is my girls not eating their calcium. I provide it daily in their feed but their shells are still too thin. I'm hoping the lack of grit has been the issue and this will resolve quickly. Thanks again!

[@BeckysHomestead]

Chickens are like people in the sense that some just have thicker finger nails. We just try and make them as thick and healthy as we can.☀️❤️☀️

[@wandagreene4994]

Thank you for all your help. I love watching your videos. I need all the good advice that you and Scott provide. I wish I had watched early enough that I had not made some of the mistakes that I have made. First I bought too many little doodles. They were so tiny and cute. It sure didnt take them long to get big and messy. I still dont have a coop for them. That is another piece of advice that I should have heard. You need your coop and equipment before you get your chicks. I am learning but wish I had learned before getting the doodles.

[@bugingorobert2096]

Hey I love your advice about taking care of chicken

[@karinhopkins6158]

To add calcium and add to their feed dry eggshells and pulverize in a blender. Add a heaping tablespoons and mix in the feed.

[@rosegruden5575]

Wonderful video

[@lorettaviecelli359]

Hi Becky, I really learned a lot from your video today. (plan to visit you more often & will check out your book) I have been educating myself before I take on responsibility of owning any. I live in New England and since it's a colder climate I've learned that chickens like to take an annual break during winter to conserve their energy & some folks will set up lights to disrupt the hens natural cycle so they keep laying. I always thought this to be a bit cruel & self serving. WHAT DO YOU THINK? (Its so American isn't it" bigger better more faster" I think we all need to take more breaks lol) (Yes I'm an American workaholic myself)

[@ronaldhagan6474]

Becky, my friend wants to raise chickens but he knows nothing about it, so this is where I come un. To tell you the truth, I my self don,t eat chicken nor do I eat eggs.but for a friend, I will try any thing, it is good to watch your video. Thank for sharing you sound you know your stuff, about every thing.

[@yohanneslucky5538]

Thank you for educating me.

[@ChescoYT]

TY as a new Canadian 3 chicken raiser.

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟,❤️🖤💚🤎 FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜

[@michaelkane2470]

Becky.....love your channel.

[@itzamari7256]

imm very satisfied with ur tips😍

[@loreelee8268]

Not for sure where you Iive at but you can buy their feed and nutrition at tractor supply and sometimes walmart.then we also do fresh fruit as well.say if I cut a watermelon then I throw a piece in the pen or papaya you get the deal...but we haven't had chickens in about a year.i may get more ....

[@xitshxbax8049]

LOREE LEE she lives in Florida 😌

[@christicherry3303]

Love your information!

[@marieleopold1625]

DEAR BECKY; I went to RTV training waaaaaay back & we were always taught to keep hand gestures down 2 a min in order not to annoy viewers. I have to say that your 'NATURAL' gestures, even flow with your dialogue as though they have 'meaning'. If the sound were off, we could even understand some of your vid = BORN NATURAL DELIVERY = VERY GOOD! Jason is a 'natch' too! His 'pop-in' appearance like a personified scarecrow, is Great! Jason adds 'Just enough' to assist you without over-riding you! BOY...GREAT DUO! Your chickens are proof of you 'DOING THINGS WELL' as they appear soOoo chill! I loooong to have chickens and there is 'no better place' (in my view) to learn about this food production than from your 'down-to-earth' presentations. THANK-YOU soOOoo much! Hats off to you and Jason for showing us EGGSACTLY what we need to LAY out a good coop! This is not 'just another' CHICK flick! And that's no YOLK! (LOL) God BLESS you and your lovely, intelligent, fun family! You make my day...and CRACK me up!

[@BeckysHomestead]

That is such a nice compliment, you are so sweet. I am so glad you enjoy my channel☀️❤️☀️

[@xaverbishop6506]

Do you just mix all that stuff together with the feed?

[@tsmcbride06]

Yes, I put in on their food. My girls love it.

[@xaverbishop6506]

@@tsmcbride06 Thanks for reply. My issue is when I let birds out to roam some hens go off and lay eggs in the woods instead of using the nesting boxes I built for them.

[@gspieler]

Thank you so much for this great info.

[@carolynmoody9460]

Great video ❤️ Blessings 💗

[@aprilsondgeroth6326]

Thank u very much for ur videos. They have been very helpful to me. I had 42 chickens something got two of them last week I don't know what that I was trying to get them to free range and I didn't watch them close enough and something got them I have two different places to put my hens plus 2 sick bays. they have plenty of room I give them open access to oyster shells and grit and I mix cat food in with their egg layer food. I also mix the oil seeds and grain in the third egg-laying food but they are still eating each other pecking each other bullying each other I don't know what to do they have plenty of places to sleep there's a big run for them to go out during the day. I watched your video on deworming and I have done that I don't know what else to do could you please help

[@BeckysHomestead]

Clearly they are not happy. As soon as a chicken has the tiniest raw, red spot on it, all the other chickens peck and peck. Each hurt chicken has to be alone in it's own cage until it's sore is healed completely. 42 chickens need a huge, huge coop to be happy and healthy. I tell people to start small because once you have a problem like this, it is a LOT of work to fix it. ☀️❤️☀️

[@aprilsondgeroth6326]

@@BeckysHomestead thank you so much I love my ladies so much & I hate that they are not happy! I spend many hours a day with them. I even have them all named lol. I guess it's time to get rid of some😫 thank u again

[@aprilsondgeroth6326]

Thank u @Luciann Schankweiler I will check it out for sure

[@myislandsadventurecharter2300]

Great video! Thank you! 😊

[@BeckysHomestead]

Your welcome☀️❤️☀️

[@mrssamwinchester100]

THANK you!

[@henriettaanwara3580]

How can one have the book? I bless the name of the Lord on your behalf God for sharing your knowledge with others that's love according to the scripture.

[@Sundancespirit]

If the bottom of their coops are multipurpose sand do I still need to supplement them with grit? I know they ingest sand when pecking at the ground. I also have several bowls of clean fresh oyster shells always available to them.

[@syedtahirshah9925]

Nice and very informative video 🥰🥰

[@danodbdb]

Awesome advice. Thanks.

[@lindagordon4770]

Becky, you're amazing. I recently got down to one hen; we are in the Newcastle viral quarantine in Southern California ( five down to 1, not due to Newcastle!). I am down to one Americauna, can't add more due to the quarantine. How do I keep my one baby safe, healthy, and happy by itself until I can add more?

[@cecilitaH]

Never tell the government you have a flock....

[@tristandurbin2959]

Becky I’d love to know what kind of chicken feed you are using, I’m tired of using this three ingredient feed and the feed you show in this video looks like exactly what I’m looking for.