What did the farmer do when his chicken wouldn't lay an eggs?

I would say that if it was in the winter when daylight is reduced and the chickens stopped laying eggs then supplemental light should be provided as chickens require 12-14 hours of light to produce eggs properly, The breed if chicken is also important ie hybrid breeds are often good. Also, the farmer would have to have realistic expectations as one egg per day per chicken is usually the maximum to expect. Age of the chicken is also a factor as 6-18 months age for the chicken is usually the peak egg production time.