Can adding a roo stop egg production?

[MargaretAnneHK]

With the exception of molting and broodiness, my Icelandic hens were laying like clockwork. I was growing out the new roo, he was right by the hens so they were as used to him as they could be without them actually being with him. Anyway, since he has been with them, they have only laid three eggs. I think its probably stress and will even out in time? They get good food and treats, fresh water etc. so I know that isnt the problem. Neither are there too many-crowding.They are around a year old. I have read that its normal for flock egg production to ebb and flow and that makes sense to me.

 

[BirdLeaf]

My girls took a short break from laying when I added my roosters to the flock. I think it’s because they were working to establish pecking order and getting used to their new activities haha! However they did resume shortly after, maybe a week or so but I don’t recall exactly.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Yeah mine hadnt had a roo in with them since December lol. So I am thinking they had to get used to it again.

 

[JasperMoon]

I would assume the stress would halt it for a bit, but soon it would lay again, just fertilized eggs, (still edible if you get to them fast enough and chill them or eat right away)

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

I wouldnt be eating them right away as I have a few people asking for hatching eggs. Hence my small bit of impatience lmao.

 

[snow5164]

Yup it’s the stress of adding a boy , they should adjust mine screamed and ran away for a few weeks then settles in. I still think raising them from young is the best way , but this works too

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Yeah the other roo I lost in December had been raised with the hens. I think its the best way too but not a lot of choice in the matter this time around. They dont SEEM stressed but the fact that laying has gone down tells me they must be as there isnt any other reason it would be happening.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I would assume the stress would halt it for a bit, but soon it would lay again, just fertilized eggs, (still edible if you get to them fast enough and chill them or eat right away)

Fertile eggs are just like non fertile eggs unless stored over 95F. Really no need for special treatment just don't let a bird sit on them for a day.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Thats right and fertile eggs dont bother me. Lol especially since most people getting them from me want hatching eggs.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Got another egg this morning! So a total of 4 collected lol. I might just have to incubate these ones myself since there are so few at this point.