First Post

[Sjpfitness]

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!

I could be wrong with regards to molting. The feathers are starting to show up around the yard.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They could be molting off season if the seller supplemented lighting to keep their flock in lay through winter.

 

[aart]

To check for molting, look for pin feathers.

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.

We are assuming that you live in the northern hemisphere...is that correct?

Welcome to BYC! @Sjpfitness
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Sjpfitness]

To check for molting, look for pin feathers.


We are assuming that you live in the northern hemisphere...is that correct?

Welcome to BYC! @Sjpfitness
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2123552

I am in Northern New Jersey.

 

[Sjpfitness]

I will check their feathers. Very helpful pictures, thank you.

 

[Sjpfitness]

No pin feathers

 

[Sjpfitness]

Tomorrow is week 3 and I am getting somewhat concerned. I cannot seem to figure this out. I reached out to the previous owner and he has not had a problem with his hens laying eggs. Could they really take this long to adjust5” their new home? Can a hen be sick if she doesn’t produce her eggs as she should? Where I bought them from, I would say their lifestyle is a definite upgrade, with no disrespect.

 

[aart]

Do they free range?
Show us more of their coop and run?
Are they roosting at night?

I'd cut out everything but the layer feed.
Which is what kind exactly?

Might be time for an exam.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

...and a bug check....
My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Sjpfitness]

Do they free range?
Show us more of their coop and run?
Are they roosting at night?

I'd cut out everything but the layer feed.
Which is what kind exactly?

Might be time for an exam.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

...and a bug check....
My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

Unfortunately I am unable to safely let them free range as of yet. My property backs up to state wildlife game lands, many many acres. Way too many predators and I would not be comfortable having them free range. I might have to look into a temporary fenced off area, outside of their run, while I am home and I can be with them.

Currently, their run is 12x20. Metal roof overhead and chain link fencing cemented into the cement slab flooring. Fencing goes all the way up to the metal roofing, really keeping them protected from the elements and predators.

We are using our former dog kennel when we had hunting dogs a few years back (in which I cleaned very thoroughly). The hens have 3 long roosting bars outside in the run, and 2 inside their house. 4 nesting boxes in their house as well. Some nights they roost on the bars outside, and sometimes they sleep on the floor (which has woodchips from TSC)

I know they definitely do not get enough natural sunlight compared to free range hens.

 

[aart]

I only asked about free ranging because of possible hidden nests.
I'm sure they get plenty of light coming in the sides of the chain link....
....unless the run in is total shade all day long.
Pics of coop and run would be great......how big is coop?