Chickens odd behaviour

[Amyandalan]

Hi all
2 weeks ago we got out first ever chickens. 1 x black star and 1 x gold star who settled in fine. They were about 20 weeks and we were getting one egg a day between them. Sometimes very small, sometimes normal sized
We went and bought 2 new chickens a week later and introduced them. They immediately started picking on the smaller of the two and we had no choice but to take it back for its own safety. That left us with the 2 stars and 1 x Sussex. These 3 get on fine and never fort at all. They have never laid an egg since we Introduced the new one a week ago
Is this stress related? Coincidence due to the shortening light in the days? Age related?
The Sussex seemed a lot livelier when we first got her. The three used to follow each other round but now the Sussex seems to be isolated, laying down a lot, not even getting excited for meal worms whereas a few days earlier would take them by hand. The other half just says she's bottom of pecking order but even so, meal worms should surely excite her
Any suggestions?
They have a pen then have access to during the day but the Sussex is just laying down while the others free range round the pen. If I go in the pen, she gets up and goes and hides
is this normal?

 

[galanie]

They have just had a major change (major to them since it's such a small flock) and that will make them go off laying a bit. Give them a couple weeks. You're right though about shorter days. I'm sure they went off laying due to "stress" but may not start back up like they were because it's Fall.

 

[rosebuds]

i think they will be fine. they just need some time to get there pecking order straight.and to accept the new ones

.it is a little adjustment for them.i had the same problem and within a few weeks they were fine

.