2 new, still sep. from exist. flock, allegedly 8-9mo, hens not laying

[UrbanChick30]

Ok so my husband and I picked up an Ameraucana and a Star in Jan. They are allegedly 8-9mo old. We’ve had them separated from the other flock in an albeit makeshift “run” and “coop”. The run is some hardware cloth and particle board thrown together, and the coop is a dog crate. They don’t have access to both places at once as we move them in the mornings and evenings. We’ve had them, obviously for over a month now, and no eggs.
The ameraucana laid an egg in the box we brought her home in, but that’s been it. I thought that maybe it was because they didn’t have a nest box, so I put a milk crate in the “run” to see if that made a difference. They just perch on top of it.
I’m wondering if it’s the haphazardness of their living quarters or maybe they’re older than we were told? We’re planning on moving them into the existing run and coop this weekend, but I was wondering if that might even make a difference?

Help?

Thanks!!

 

[Kittymomma]

It could be a bunch of things. Some hens react more to a move and will stop laying for weeks, they could feel stressed and vulnerable in their make shift set-up, they may be older then you were told....the list goes on. I'd wait until you have them settled into their permanant home before making any decesions about them. Give them some time to adjust to the new pen and pecking order and see how it goes. Daylight hours are on the upswing now and that should help too. Also, what are you feeding them? A change in feed and/or not enough protien can cause problems too. Good luck with your girls! My red-stars and EE's are some of the most productive and friendly hens in the flock.

 

[UrbanChick30]

We're feeding them Purina brown bag laying food, lol. It's not Layena. We also give them veggies when we can and scratch every day. Of course I don't know what they were eating before we got them. Fresh water of course. We also have cafe lights out there for more "daylight". Our other ladies started laying in Jan and have been going strong since.

 

[UrbanChick30]

Ok after just a few days of the new ladies being incorporated, the Star has started laying. Now one of the silkies is broody. lol. If it's not one thing, it's another.