Why Has My Chicken Never Laid an Egg? Common Causes and Solutions

Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding journey, but it can also bring its fair share of mysteries. One of the most frustrating questions many chicken keepers ask is: “Why has my chicken never laid an egg?”

If your hen is healthy, happy, and of laying age—but still not producing eggs—there may be a few reasons behind the delay. This guide walks you through the most common causes and how to address each one with confidence.

Why Has My Chicken Never Laid an Egg?

The most common reasons a chicken doesn’t lay eggs include age, breed characteristics, poor nutrition, lack of daylight, illness, stress, or even being a rooster.

Egg-laying depends on several factors working in harmony. If even one is off balance, your hen might never start producing. Understanding each of these areas will help you troubleshoot more effectively.

1. She’s Not Old Enough Yet

Most hens start laying between 18 and 24 weeks old, but some can take much longer depending on their breed and environment.

Average Egg-Laying Ages by Breed:

• Leghorns, ISA Browns: 16–18 weeks
• Plymouth Rocks, Sussex: 20–24 weeks
• Silkies, Cochins, Brahmas: 6–9 months or later

Solution: Be patient and monitor signs of maturity. Look for red, swollen combs, squatting behavior, or increased vocalization—all signs that she’s almost ready.

2. Your Chicken Might Be a Rooster

If your “hen” hasn’t laid a single egg after 6–8 months, double-check the gender—especially if you bought straight-run chicks.

Roosters have upright tail feathers, larger combs and wattles, spurs on their legs, and may begin crowing. A common surprise for first-time keepers is realizing their quiet pullet is actually a young cockerel.

How to Tell the Difference:

• Roosters often stand more upright with a confident posture
• They may mount other hens or chase them
• They’ll develop long, curved tail feathers and pointed saddle feathers

3. Inadequate Light Exposure

Hens require at least 14–16 hours of light per day to trigger egg-laying hormones.

If your pullet matured during fall or winter, the short days may delay her laying. Even indoor chickens kept in low-light conditions can be affected.

Solution: Supplement with a low-wattage LED light on a timer. Just enough to mimic natural daylight—no need for heat lamps unless it’s extremely cold.

4. Poor Nutrition

Without enough protein, calcium, and key vitamins, hens may never start laying.

Chickens need a quality layer feed (16–18% protein) once they hit 18–20 weeks of age. If you’ve kept them on grower feed too long or rely heavily on scraps, their reproductive system may not fully activate.

Checklist for Laying Nutrition:

• Layer feed with calcium and protein
• Access to crushed oyster shells or eggshells for strong shells
• Fresh greens, seeds, and clean water daily

Bonus Tip: Add omega-rich treats like flax or sunflower seeds to boost egg health when she does start laying.

5. Illness or Internal Issues

Health problems, parasites, or reproductive disorders can prevent egg production—even if the hen seems normal at a glance.

Signs Your Hen Might Be Sick:

• Low energy or puffed-up posture
• Diarrhea or pale combs
• Frequent sitting or droopy wings
• Excessive feather loss outside of molt season

Solution: Quarantine the bird if needed, and check for mites, lice, or signs of respiratory illness. A natural remedy approach found in The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies can support gut, immune, and reproductive health without chemicals.

6. Stress Is Shutting Down Her System

Hens are sensitive creatures. High stress can shut down their laying process entirely.

Common Stressors:

• Predator scares or new animals
• Frequent handling or transport
• Sudden coop moves or overcrowding
• Extreme weather changes

Solution: Keep a calm, stable environment. Ensure enough nesting space (at least 1 box per 4 hens), good ventilation, and predator-proof security. Chickens thrive with routine and safety.

7. Hidden Nesting Spots

It’s possible your hen is laying eggs—but not in the coop.

Free-range hens often find creative hiding spots for their eggs, especially if the nesting box setup feels unsafe or too busy.

Check: Under bushes, behind hay bales, or in corners of sheds and garages.

Fix: Keep hens in the coop until mid-morning (most eggs are laid early) and make nesting boxes dark, quiet, and inviting.

8. She’s Just a Late Bloomer

Sometimes, there’s no clear reason. Your hen may just need more time to mature physically or hormonally.

Each chicken is different. Some may take 30 weeks or more before producing their first egg, especially if raised in colder climates or under less-than-ideal conditions early on.

Patience is key—and in most cases, she’ll come around when her body is ready.

How to Encourage a Hen to Start Laying

Try these natural, proven tips to gently nudge your hen toward egg-laying:

• Switch her to layer feed with added calcium
• Provide 14–16 hours of light daily
• Offer cozy, quiet nesting boxes with soft bedding
• Use fake or ceramic eggs to encourage laying behavior
• Minimize flock stress and predator exposure

Need all-natural support for hormonal health, digestion, and immunity? Check out The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies—perfect for backyard chicken owners who want holistic solutions without antibiotics or chemicals.

Want to Build a Better Coop to Boost Egg Laying?

A poorly designed coop can make hens feel unsafe, stressed, or crowded—which can delay or prevent laying. The DIY Woodworking & Homesteading Plans Guide includes egg-laying-friendly blueprints for:

• Spacious coops with ventilation and light
• Easy-to-clean nesting boxes
• Predator-proofing strategies
• Rainwater collection and feeding stations

FAQs: Chickens That Don’t Lay Eggs

Can some chickens just never lay?

It’s rare, but possible. Some hens may have reproductive issues or deformities that prevent laying. It’s more common in hybrids or birds from hatchery mix-ups.

What age is too late for a hen to start laying?

If a hen hasn’t laid by 12 months old, it’s unlikely she ever will—unless she’s been severely delayed by stress or poor care.

Can a hen lay without a rooster?

Yes—hens don’t need a rooster to lay eggs. They only need one for fertilized eggs.

How do I know if my chicken is laying internally?

Internal laying is a condition where eggs form but don’t exit the vent. It can cause swelling, labored breathing, or egg yolk peritonitis. Veterinary care is needed.

Conclusion

If your chicken has never laid an egg, it could be due to age, breed, stress, light exposure, illness, or even mistaken gender. The good news? Most of these issues are fixable with the right knowledge and care. Be patient, provide a nurturing environment, and your hen may soon reward you with her first egg.

Want to support natural laying and long-term health? Grab The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies for herbal and home-based remedies. Need to upgrade your coop or build smarter nesting boxes? Get the DIY Homesteading Plans and create a productive, low-stress home for your flock.