CAUSES OF REDUCED EGG PRODUCTION IN LAYING HENS

Người viết: Phú mkt lúc 10.06.2026
Informational

CAUSES OF REDUCED EGG PRODUCTION OR EGG LAYING CESSATION IN CHICKENS

Reduced egg production or complete cessation of laying is a common issue in layer chicken farming. This condition directly affects productivity and the economic efficiency of poultry operations. Identifying the underlying causes can help farmers take timely corrective measures, minimize losses, and maintain stable egg production.

1. Inadequate or Unbalanced Nutrition

Nutrition is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive performance of laying hens. To produce an egg every day, hens require sufficient energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

If the diet lacks essential nutrients or chickens are deprived of feed for extended periods, egg production can decline significantly. In particular, certain essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the hen's body and must be supplied through feed.

Water Deficiency

Water accounts for approximately 70% of a chicken's body weight and about 75% of an egg's weight. Therefore, even short periods of water deprivation can negatively affect both egg quantity and egg quality.

Calcium and Phosphorus Deficiency

An eggshell contains approximately 2 grams of calcium, while a laying hen's skeleton stores only about 20 grams of calcium. This means that producing one egg uses roughly 10% of the hen's calcium reserves.

Insufficient calcium and phosphorus supplementation or an improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to:

Reduced egg production
Thin and fragile eggshells
Lower hatchability rates
Complete cessation of egg laying

2. Extreme Housing Temperatures

The ideal temperature range for laying hens is between 20°C and 25°C.

When environmental temperatures become too high, chickens may exhibit the following symptoms:

Rapid breathing or panting
Increased water consumption
Reduced feed intake
Slower growth and weakened immunity

For laying hens, heat stress can significantly reduce egg production and negatively affect eggshell quality.

Farmers should ensure proper ventilation, cooling systems, and adequate shading during hot weather conditions.

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3. Broodiness Behavior

Broodiness is a natural instinct in hens. Once a hen enters the broody stage, she spends more time sitting on the nest, eats less, and stops laying eggs to focus on incubation.

This behavior commonly occurs during spring and in flocks raised under natural lighting conditions.

For commercial egg production systems, broodiness should be managed to maintain consistent egg output.

4. Natural Molting

After a prolonged laying period, chickens naturally enter a molting phase.

During molting:

Nutrients are redirected toward feather growth.
The reproductive system rests and regenerates.
Egg production decreases or stops for approximately 2–3 weeks.

Although molting temporarily reduces egg production, hens often return to laying with improved egg quality and productivity afterward.

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5. Insufficient Light Exposure

Laying hens are highly sensitive to light.

To maintain optimal egg production, hens require approximately 14–16 hours of light per day. When light exposure decreases:

Feed consumption declines.
Reproductive hormone production is affected.
Egg production drops significantly.

In commercial poultry farming, supplemental lighting is commonly used to ensure adequate daily light exposure.

6. Age of the Hen

Age has a direct impact on egg-laying performance.

Generally:

Hens begin laying eggs at 18–22 weeks of age.
Peak production occurs approximately 6–8 weeks after the onset of laying.
Egg production gradually declines after about 12 months of laying.

Therefore, farmers should implement appropriate flock replacement programs to maintain profitability.

7. Diseases and Health Problems

Many infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to reduced egg production or complete cessation of laying.

In addition to lowering production, diseases can affect:

Eggshell quality
Egg size
Marketable egg rates

To minimize disease-related production losses, farmers should:

Follow recommended vaccination schedules.
Maintain proper sanitation and biosecurity.
Provide balanced nutrition to support immunity.
Detect and treat illnesses promptly.

Reduced egg production or egg-laying cessation in chickens can result from several factors, including nutritional deficiencies, unsuitable housing temperatures, molting, inadequate lighting, aging, and disease challenges. Regular flock monitoring, balanced nutrition, and proper management practices are essential for maintaining stable egg production and maximizing the profitability of poultry farming.

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