Beginner needing advice on egg laying

[jedchops2003]

Hi all,

We got our very first batch of chickens last week (14 Columbian Blacktails). They are all 72/73 weeks old and came from an organic egg form who were clearing out their 4000 birds to restock.

I have a question on egg laying - we picked up the birds last Friday and on advice kept them in the coop on Fri/Sat whilst they adapted to their new environment. They laid 8 eggs on Sat. We let them out on Sunday (10 eggs), Monday decreased to 7, then Tue, Wed and today we are down to 5.

They seem very happy, have plenty of outdoor space, are singing and seem to be very tame. Could the move have upset their egg laying. I know that they don't lay so much when they are older but it seems odd that we got the 10,8,7.......anyone got any thoughts/advice?

Thank you:/

 

[silkiechicken]

The 10, 8, then 7 eggs were probably "in the chute" ready to head out so to say. Moving can often disrupt laying for 3 day to 3 weeks depending on how well adjusted the birds are and the season. However, do look for them hiding eggs too as that is often also a problem.