First Post

[Sjpfitness]

Hey y'all. This is my first post, and second time having egg laying hens. We love getting eggs and having a sustainable resource.

Our first group of hens, we have had for just about 2 years. Unfortunately predators got to them. Fast forward 2 more years to present day.

We purchased 4 new adult egg laying hens Reds. We have had them for a week and a half, no eggs as of yet. The more I keep reading and researching this topic, I know this process of getting back to laying eggs again may take a while. They have to be comfortable.

I guess I am looking for are suggestions and words of advice. What can I do to make them feel more comfortable?

What we have done & already do:
*Plenty of fresh water
*Fresh fruit and vegetables
*Layer Feed and Oyster Shells for Calcium
*Plastic Easter Eggs in nesting box to guide them where to lay eggs.
*Woodchips in nesting box and run, cleaned regularly.
*Roosting bar

I welcome all thought and suggestions please. I attached a picture of a few of the girls.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

 

[SamuelMcF]

Glad you joined! Welcome!

Looks like you are doing all of the right things. How old are the hens? If you got them from someone else that could mean they are older and just not laying as much anymore. With 4 hens I would have expected eggs by now in a week and a half but it could take them a little while to get acclimated.

 

[Sjpfitness]

Glad you joined! Welcome!

Looks like you are doing all of the right things. How old are the hens? If you got them from someone else that could mean they are older and just not laying as much anymore. With 4 hens I would have expected eggs by now in a week and a half but it could take them a little while to get acclimated.

Thank you very much!

The seller informed me they are approx 1 year old. They may be older, but I am sure they are not younger.
He bought them as adults from the breeder.

 

[SamuelMcF]

If they are only a year old they should be back to laying soon. There is no reason they can't be good laying hens for a good while longer.

 

[Sjpfitness]

If they are only a year old they should be back to laying soon. There is no reason they can't be good laying hens for a good while longer.

Thank you. Yes I hope so too. I understand it can take some time to adjust.

 

[Sjpfitness]

Once they hatch you got to post pictures for us to see how it all goes
Good luck!!

Fingers crossed

 

[Acre4Me]

They look ready to lay - red, full combs and wattles. They look to be in good condition. Have you checked for any mites or lice?

 

[Sjpfitness]

They look ready to lay - red, full combs and wattles. They look to be in good condition. Have you checked for any mites or lice?

Yes I have. Did not see any signs of mites or lice.
They all act healthy, eating plenty of my food lol.

 

[Sjpfitness]

Update:
Unfortunately, still no eggs yet. Been a little over 2 weeks since we had them. Noticed today they are molting. Also, I have been keeping their inside run (which they go in during the evening) closed to protect them from predators.

I believe there isn't enough ventilation and airflow inside this area. I am keeping their doors open, so they can go in and out freely. They are still protected from predators, inside their fences in runs.

 

[Acre4Me]

Update:
Unfortunately, still no eggs yet. Been a little over 2 weeks since we had them. Noticed today they are molting. Also, I have been keeping their inside run (which they go in during the evening) closed to protect them from predators.

I believe there isn't enough ventilation and airflow inside this area. I am keeping their doors open, so they can go in and out freely. They are still protected from predators, inside their fences in runs.

Odd time of year to molt!! However, some people switch to a high protein feed while they are molting to try to help them through it faster. Feathers are protein, so a grower feed, turkey starter are options. Also dry cat food or canned meat (watch the sodium), flaked fish food can also be used.
Good luck!