Hen with 9 week old chicks still not laying...

[LocoPollo]

My only hen of laying age has 9 week old chicks, and yet she has still not returned to laying. Is this normal? Also, i just saw for the first time the rooster trying to mate with her today. She wasnt trying to get away, either. Does that mean eggs are near? I am new to all this and have not seen any eggs yet ( the hen and rooster was given to me along with her babies.) Thanks!

 

[MissPrissy]

Mating has nothing at all to do with hens and their egg laying. A rooster is like an old billy goat - randy from Dusk to dawn and back to dusk.

It often takes them a while to get back to laying. This time of year, the heat stress, coming off a brood - all sorts of factors can delay her starting to lay again.

9 weeks isn't anything to worry about. She will start back when her body is ready and you can't rush it.

 

[LocoPollo]

That is helpful, thanks! I can't wait- I still cant decide if iwant to eat the eggs or let her raise some more chicks!