Identifying Hens That Have Stopped Laying Eggs

As a breeder or farmer, it is crucial to keep an eye on your flock's behavior and egg-laying habits. Identifying hens that have stopped laying can help you manage your flock more effectively and maintain a steady egg supply. Here are some key signs and methods to help you determine which hens are no longer laying.

Behavioral Signs

Observing the behavior of your hens can often provide clues about their egg-laying status. Typically, older hens that have reached the end of their productive life may exhibit some aggressive behavior towards younger layers. This might be due to a change in the hierarchy within the flock or feelings of jealousy. If you notice this kind of aggression, it could be a sign that those hens have stopped producing eggs.

Physical Signs and Inspection

The most direct and reliable method to identify hens that have stopped laying is through a physical inspection. You can easily check this by holding the hen and carefully feeling under the vent, also known as the cloaca, which is the opening through which the egg is passed. Here's what to look for:

Space Between Pubic Bones: Feel for the two nodes of the pubic bone, located just under the vent. The more space there is between these bones, the more the hen is laying. A smaller space indicates a hen that is not laying. Space Between Pubic Bone and Keel: Check the space between the pubic bone and the keel (the lowermost protrusion on a bird's sternum). Like the space between the pubic bones, a larger space indicates a hen that is laying, while a smaller space indicates a non-layer. Pelvic Constriction: A non-layer hen will often feel contracted, smaller, and emptier near the vent and abdomen. Hens that are still laying will generally appear plump and full.

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Additional Clues for Identification

There are several other signs you can look for to determine if your hen is laying or not:

1. Feathers

The feathers of a productive laying hen are often dirty, worn, and ragged because the hen is focusing her energy on egg production rather than preening. A hen that is not laying may have cleaner, more vibrant feathers as her energy is diverted elsewhere.

2. Combs and Wattles

The comb and wattles of a hen can also indicate her laying status. A non-producing hen is likely to have a scaly, pale, and shriveled comb and wattles. In contrast, a good layer will have a waxy, full, and bright red comb and wattles.

3. Carriage and Vital Signs

A good layer is alert, active, and keenly aware of her surroundings. Her eyes will be bright and awake, indicating vitality and freshness. Conversely, a hen that has stopped laying may appear more listless, with dull eyes and a less alert demeanor.

If you want to explore more, here is a valuable video from the UNH Extension that provides additional insights: