So I just bought 3 hens and a cockerel...

[missythechicken]

1 of the hens is a year
one has just started laying
and the other hasn't started laying but due soon

I've had them about 1-2 weeks now, and not a single egg. Any tips on why or how to make them start laying and if they're stressed and just general tips?
Thanks in advance

 

[Rod-T]

Light in chicken house set by timer to wake them early..chickens need 14 hrs light a day to keep laying

 

[missythechicken]

Thank you very much! We were thinking of doing this, but weren't sure exactly of the hours

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The older one will quit to molt and recover if she hasn't already, so it might be a bit before she lays if she's stopped for the season, they will also be stressed from the move, and what breed they are can also affect laying.

 

[missythechicken]

1 is pure Pekin
2 is Wyandotte Bantam
3 is Pekin x Game

 

[sourland]

All three breeds are more for 'pretty' than egg production. They may take a break until spring when they will very likely lay a clutch and then go broody.

 

[missythechicken]

Ah right, yes I wasn't fully aware when I bought them, as I sort of wanted a starter breed? As soon as possible I'm planning to add some better egg layers in

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My cochins, or pekins, lay on and off going broody often, they lay enough for a clutch, about 8-12 eggs than quit for a while. sourland is correct, don't expect too many eggs.

 

[missythechicken]

Are there any crosses I can make between species to make the next generation still sort of a smaller chicken, but lay better eggs?