Does this count as stress?

[SemiSweet2391]

Two weeks ago we became chicken keepers! We got two hens (Rhode Island red and sapphire olive egger) from friends. I don’t know how old they are. We also got 7 adorable chicks!

It’s been very hot (85-103F) lately and the hens are in a new home. They aren’t molting, they are eating the layer feed, and the coop is sized for 10-12 hens so it’s roomy.

Assuming they are still of an egg layer age, could the heat and the new environment be stopping egg production? They haven’t laid a single one. They’ve been here for two weeks and seem to be comfortable! Just trying to troubleshoot TIA!!

 

[fluffycrow]

Simply put, yes. Extreme temperatures and changes to their environment (or entire living situation) will impact their laying cycle.

They look healthy to me, and in a few weeks they should start laying again, possibly when it's a little cooler as well

 

[aart]

the coop is sized for 10-12 hens

According to whom?

 

[BDutch]

We also got 7 adorable chicks!

they are eating the layer feed, and the coop is sized for 10-12 hens so it’s roomy.

Are the chicks separated?
Don’t give them layer feed, they need chick feed!

I hope you followed the instruction from BYC, not the coop-marketing. Did you buy a flat pack? Do your chickens have a run in the shade of trees?

 

[SemiSweet2391]

According to whom?

I guess me! Enough roost space (8-10 in) for that many birds, and the coop itself gives 3 sq ft per bird, and the run gives almost 15 sq ft per bird! According to the numbers I found online I believed that would be comfy for the birds.

 

[SemiSweet2391]

Are the chicks separated?
Don’t give them layer feed, they need chick feed!

I hope you followed the instruction from BYC, not the coop-marketing. Did you buy a flat pack? Do your chickens have a run in the shade of trees?

Good clarification! The chicks are in our brooder inside enjoying chick feed.

Gonna be honest not sure what a flat pack is! But the hens have a run that is half covered by a big tree. The coop is also raised and they like the shade under there as well. I think they have a couple good shade options.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I wouldn't be worried about the production right now, they just moved, it's hot, that's a lot for chickens. When I got adult chickens some started laying the next day abd some took a few weeks.

 

[BDutch]

Gonna be honest not sure what a flat pack is!

A prefab coop you have to assemble yourself.

I never bought adult chickens. Got one 4-5 yo rescue once who lived alone and couldn’t stay where she lived. She didn’t lay right away either, but I don’t remember for how long.

I avoid bringing in new chickens because there is always a risk you buy yourself a worm infection or other health problems that can contaminate your existing flock. I buy hatchery eggs of a breed I would like, for a broody, if I need replacements because of losses or old age. Advantage of doing so is that the chicks don’t need to integrate.

Just wait and see when they lay an egg. And read about integrating chicks with adult hens in the meantime.
If the chicks are 6 weeks old a group with 7 can go outside as soon as there are no chances of frost in the night. If its warm the chicks can go outside as soon as the chicks feather out. Sunlight and scratching in the soil is good for them. But do keep them apart for a while. See don’t touch.

 

[SemiSweet2391]

Hey everyone! We’ve had the hens for 3.5 weeks and still no eggs. Is that normal or should I be worried about them? It has been sooo hot. I’m hoping that’s it and not that something is wrong with them/they are sick :/

 

[98cwitr]

Hey everyone! We’ve had the hens for 3.5 weeks and still no eggs. Is that normal or should I be worried about them? It has been sooo hot. I’m hoping that’s it and not that something is wrong with them/they are sick :/

Any idea how old they are?