A Sassy (But Polite) Advice Column by Henrietta Featherbottom
“Why have my hens stopped laying?!” is the question I get asked most, and darling, I’ve seen this tragedy more times than one. One day, your laying boxes are teeming with eggs—the next, they’re an egg-barren box of straw.
Before you accuse us of ‘laziness’, let’s troubleshoot like civilized poultry.
Below are the top reasons your hens might be on strike… and how to gently persuade them back to work.
Henrietta hard at work! 
Reasons for the Layoff
1. It’s Too Darn Hot (Or Cold)
We’re not baking cookies here—we’re making eggs. Extreme temperatures make it difficult for us to produce our masterpieces, and that goes for hot and cold months!
Non-feathered folk often wonder, “Do chickens lay eggs in the winter?” and we absolutely can, darling, you just have to make accommodations for us!
Here’s how to increase chicken egg production during those difficult seasons:
Henrietta and Gertrude contemplating whether or not to lay an egg
Fix for hot weather: Offer frozen treats (check out my cluckin’ good summer recipes for ideas!) Even just a handful of frozen watermelon cubes will offer some sweet respite during those hot days. It’s also important to weather-proof your coop by improving ventilation, adding shade, and installing a small AC window unit if possible. This will not only make your chickens more likely to lay, but it can also prevent heatstroke in extreme weather. (Check out my summer survival guide for more tips!)
Fix for cool weather: Insulate your coop and add tarps over the run to buffer the cold wind. A heat lamp and extra straw will also help keep them warm while laying. A heater and/or heated water bowl can also be helpful for improving egg production in chickens (and prevents you from having to dump frozen water multiple times a day!).
Henrietta showing off her latest Small Pet Select haul 
2. You’re Feeding Us Like Peasants
Generic feed? The audacity! We need AT LEAST 16-18% protein and calcium for healthy egg production. (Oyster shells are mandatory, darling!)
Fix:Upgrade to Small Pet Select Layer Feed (non-GMO, soy-free, and Henrietta-approved).
3. We’re Molting (Not ‘Being Dramatic’)
Feathers everywhere? We’re not decorating—we’re regenerating! Egg-making pauses during our mandatory glow-ups. Molting is unavoidable and typically lasts around 2 months, but there are some things you can do to support us during our feathered metamorphosis!
Fix: Offer extra protein (Small Pet Select Grub Bugs are a great option!), patience, and no commentary on our bald spots.
The babies were excited for their most recent shipment of grub bugs!
Henrietta's masterpieces
4. We’re Stressed (Chaos = Our Protest)
New rooster? Predators? Your toddler ‘cuddling’ us? Trauma. Stress = no eggs.
Fix: Calm environment, hiding spots, and no tackle hugs.5. We’re Just Over It
After 2-3 years, our retirement begins. Typically, we lay fewer eggs in the weeks and months leading up to this, to give you a heads up. It’s only natural, darling. Please respect our life choices.
Fix: Adopt younger hens or enjoy our golden years together (we’re still fabulous!)
How to Politely Boost Production
Consistency is Key
Not being on a set feeding schedule, changes in our living quarters, or adding new ladies to the flock can all stress us and cause our egg factories to stop production. We thrive on routine.
Feed us at the same time, collect eggs promptly (or risk us becoming broody!), and stop rearranging the coop like it’s a TikTok trend.
Henrietta judging your choice in coop decor
Hydrate or Bust
Fresh, cool water is non-negotiable. If it’s green or slimy, it needs to be tossed, and our water bowl cleaned.
Offer electrolytes in our water too (or even better, my famous electrolyte ice blocks during the warmer months!
No powdered electrolytes on hand? Use my handy recipe!
Henrietta's Electrolyte Solution
Mix the ingredients below well and store in an air-tight mason jar. This recipe will make three 1-gallon servings.
You'll need:
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional but highly recommended!)
How to prepare:
Mix 2 tablespoons into 1 gallon of cool water & serve in your finest waterer.
Lighting Matters
14 hours of light = ideal for proper egg production. (We do not care for your ‘mood lighting’ experiments!)
Closing: Henrietta’s Pep Talk
Darling, eggs will return—with patience and proper pampering. We’re artists and we work on our own time. Now, go forth and serve snacks.
P.S. Tag @SmallPetSelect when your hens reward you. We love a good glow-up story!
