I'm sure this isn't a new question but I'll throw it out there anyways; 8 days ago my 10 hens (barred rock & orpington) were attacked by a very agressive hawk. The rooster got 7 inside, 3 took a beating. All survived. Until then I was getting 5-6 eggs a day. Now I'm getting 0-1. Of course they are traumatized. I don't let them free range anymore - not enough cover in the winter months. They still go out into their covered run area. How long before they get over this and begin to lay again? Any experiences? Thanks, Tom
I'm sorry. I had a hawk attack this morning as well. Lost one pullet. But I got out there before she was eaten. So I feel pleased that I at least deprived the critter of his meal. We penned up the rest of the birds for the day (probably for the next several days, not sure how long), but they are quite traumatized. They are staying hidden in the corners of the covered end of their coop. And when they ventured out into the completely enclosed coop when I went to check on them, they were very nervous and kept checking the trees. The hawk was hanging around again after we came in from penning them up and even landed on top of the coop. I'm thinking I won't be getting many eggs in the next week or so.
I've had the same thing happen. Winter time and shorter daylight hours coupled with the hawk attack, you'll have to give them time. They'll eventually start laying again.
What Dawg said. Shortened daylength plus the stress of the attack - the hawk may still be in the area harassing them even though they are penned up - have combined to shut them down. Daylength is increasing so they should resume laying relatively soon.
