Will a predator attack cause a young hen to stop laying?

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

For context: About 5-6 days ago, my dog killed two of my hens that had escaped the run. My other 3 hens (and 6 pullets) were all safely inside the run and were not hurt or chased at all. The problem of the hens escaping the run has been resolved, for anyone concerned.
One of those hens not attacked was a 2yo Buff Orpington who had been loyally laying a beautiful egg every day (only occasionally missing a day). Then, when the attack occurred, she abruptly stopped laying. Ever since the dog killed those two hens she hasn't laid a single egg. She has been acting totally normal; eating, drinking, foraging, etc. My other hen, a 2yo Easter Egger, continued laying every day, even after the attack. My third hen, a 5yo ISA Brown hasn't been laying for a while, so I can't compare anything with her. The thing is, today I went into the coop and found my Easter Egger's egg, but under it was what looked like the remains of egg yolk in the shavings. I was out working in my run almost all day today and I never saw my Orpington go into the coop, so I don't think she laid, but it is possible that she did, but then ate it right after. Her food has not been switched, so it isn't that.

That being said, here are my questions:

• Is it possible that the stress of the attack made her stop laying? If so, how long will it last? Is it permanent?
• If it is stress, what can I do to help it?
• Could it be something else? She always has access to food, water, grit, and calcium.
• Would pictures of her be helpful? I'm guessing not, but just ask if you want them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes the stress of an attack can cause a pause in laying. Generally 2-3 weeks or so in most instances.

All my buff Orpington I've had would lay for a few months, than they would take a break for a month or so before resuming. I've never had one continue to lay the whole season. So it's also possible your hen is taking a break.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Yes the stress of an attack can cause a pause in laying. Generally 2-3 weeks or so in most instances.

All my buff Orpington I've had would lay for a few months, than they would take a break for a month or so before resuming. I've never had one continue to lay the whole season. So it's also possible your hen is taking a break.

It can pause laying even if she wasn't part of the attack? Maybe she saw it, but that's it.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Yes. Any stress or change can interrupt laying. Sometimes even rearranging the coop can throw them off. Even though your chicken wasn’t attacked, the flock lost two members. That is a big change.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Should I add ACV to their water? If so, how much?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

No adding acv won’t do anything. It will just take time. Don’t let the dog stress them out even if it can’t get at them. They need to feel safe and settled again then the laying will pick back up

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

No adding acv won’t do anything. It will just take time. Don’t let the dog stress them out even if it can’t get at them. They need to feel safe and settled again then the laying will pick back up

Sounds good. Thanks for the help!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

If she was doing fine before this, she doesn't need ACV or supplements. She will be okay, but if you think about it from the perspective of her little brain: the attack made her feel unsafe, and so one response to that is pausing egg production, because a hen in the wild likely would not lay a clutch in a time or place she considers dangerous. But she will move on, and this pause will likely not last much longer.