Question: We are doing everything by the book, but half our chickens aren’t laying eggs. What could the reason be?

I assume you’re referring to commercial layers.

If so, you need to check the following:

• The age of the hens. Egg production starts dropping after about 45 weeks, and by the time they are 65 weeks old the hens need to be replaced.
• Is the feed you’re supplying the correct ration for your layers?
• Is there enough clean potable water?
• Check whether cold weather has affected the hens negatively.
• Check for the presence of mites and worms (ascarids).
• Do the hens have enough light? Chickens should have 14 hours of light a day.

• This article was written by dr. Mick Versfeld and first appeared in Farming SA.