What should I check if my chickens are dropping eggs or laying less?
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Overview
If your chickens are dropping eggs or laying less, the first things to check are their condition, feed, water, daylight, stress and the coop. Red mite is a common reason hens go off lay, but it’s not the only one, so it helps to look at the whole picture rather than jumping to one cause.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the drop in laying started suddenly or has been gradual, and whether it affects one hen or several in the flock.
2. Look in the coop at night and around perch areas for signs of red mite, such as tiny moving specks, grey dust, blood spots or hens avoiding the house.
3. Check the hens themselves for pale combs, tired-looking birds, weight loss, dirty vents, damaged feathers or signs they’re being pecked.
4. Review feed and water access. Hens need a proper layer feed and constant clean water, and reduced intake can quickly affect laying.
5. Think about recent changes such as new birds, a move, loud disturbance, weather swings, short daylight hours or predator pressure.
6. Check for moulting, since feather loss and regrowth often come with a pause or drop in egg production.
7. Look at egg quality and housing conditions. Very soft-shelled, thin-shelled or misshapen eggs can point to diet issues, stress or a hen that’s under the weather.
Common Causes
Red mite is one of the most common reasons for reduced laying in chickens. They hide in cracks and perch joints during the day and feed on birds at night, which can leave hens restless, stressed and worn out.
Moulting is another common cause. It takes a lot of energy, so laying often drops while new feathers grow back.
Poor diet, not enough clean water, too little daylight, heat, cold or general stress can all reduce egg production too.
Less commonly, illness, parasites, bullying in the flock or an older hen simply slowing down can also be part of the picture.
What To Do
Start by checking the coop carefully, especially perch ends, cracks, joints and nest boxes. If you do find signs of red mite, focus on thorough cleaning and routine coop hygiene, then keep monitoring to see whether the hens become more settled.
Make sure the birds have steady access to a suitable layer feed and fresh water, and check that feeders and drinkers are easy for every hen to use. If the flock is moulting or recently stressed, give them time, keep conditions calm and watch for improvement over the next few weeks.
It’s also worth keeping a simple note of how many eggs you’re getting, which hens are laying and whether anything in the environment has changed. That makes patterns easier to spot if the problem continues.
Products That May Help
For coop cleaning and flock routine care, this collection may be useful as part of keeping housing and surroundings as tidy as possible.
Related Questions
Why have my hens stopped laying in winter?
How can I tell if red mite is in the coop?
Could moulting be why my chickens have slowed down laying?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.