Established flock-New to me, not laying

[Emmett]

I adopted a flock of 26 hens, some are in pretty extreme molt maybe 8 to 10 but the rest are not. They are 1-2 years old, various breeds but mostly good laying breeds. They have supplemental light, are fed 18% feed, lots of fruit and veggies. I will have had them for 2 weeks this Saturday, I'm getting 2-3 eggs a day, typically 2. I have owned chickens for years but never transplanted an entire flock. Anyone have experience with a production slow down/stop when transplanting an established flock. Any suggestions?

 

[PirateGirl]

The stress of moving can temporary slow or halt egg production. This is normal. I adopted a flock of ducks, adults, previously laying. It took a bit over a month in their new home before they settled in and started laying regularly for me. Some birds take longer than others, but you will get eggs eventually.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's probably their age and time of year. They will stop laying to molt. Probably won't resume until December to May. Supplemental lighting won't help birds that need to molt. You may even mess them up. Supplemental lighting can help bring them back into lay after the molt but must be done correctly. A slower increase to simulate increasing daylight. Not just leaving the lights on.

 

[Emmett]

The stress of moving can temporary slow or halt egg production. This is normal. I adopted a flock of ducks, adults, previously laying. It took a bit over a month in their new home before they settled in and started laying regularly for me. Some birds take longer than others, but you will get eggs eventually.

Thank you. This is what I wondered.