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Why did my chicken stop laying eggs after introducing new birds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 8.81849 lbs

This is my adult hen and she has been laying eggs for over 3 Months now. I recently added 4 New Chicken Birds and she hasnt layed an egg since past 3-4 days. Thanks in advance.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 15th, 2018

If you just added in new birds it's likely stressing your hen a bit which can disrupt laying. I would give her at least a week or two before I worry about the fact that she is not laying eggs regularly. Making sure she is on a balanced layer feed along with being given plenty of fresh water and enough nesting space (usually 2-3 birds MAX per nest box) can also help ensure she feels comfortable enough to lay. Another possibility is that she is still laying but has moved her nest to somewhere else, especially if she is free-ranged. Searching for a hidden nest, and if found, keeping her cooped for a few days may help encourage her to begin using the nesting box again.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 7th, 2019

    Hello. Chickens do need to adjust to new surroundings & any stress will cause them to stop laying for some time. Also keep in mind that not all chickens will lay an egg every day. They will generally lay several times a week, but not daily. If the hens are not confined, one or two may be laying elsewhere. I am always hunting eggs in the barn as my hens refused to lay in their hen house. Age can play a factor, too. A hen generally needs to be 5-8 months old before they start laying & usually slow down or stop around 5 years of age. Weather extremes can affect egg laying, too. So at this point, just have patience & hopefully your girls will start laying more regularly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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