Hens not laying

[kmw20045]

I recently got some hens (10) from a friend. The hens had stopped laying and she was tired of having them. They believe the hens are about 2 years old. I'm new to chickens, we got our first one in August and 3 of our 5 hens we had just started laying. Is there something I should try or any tricks to see if the older hens will start laying again?

 

[PirateGirl]

How recently did you get them? Even if they laid an egg the day before you brought them home, the move may be enough stress to send them on a laying strike for awhile. All of my birds except for one have not yet resumed laying from their winter break/molt. Also when I first brought home some adult birds last year, I did not see an egg from them for about 6 weeks, after they had fully settled in to their new home. They all look to be in good health/condition in your photo, so I wouldn't worry too much and hopefully in a few weeks you'll be getting eggs from everyone, new and old.

 

[wamtazlady]

First, it takes time for birds to adjust after a move. In that time they will not lay. That is normal Also, many hens stop laying for the winter. That is normal also as there is not enough daylight to stimulate them to lay. As the days get longer they will most likely start to lay more. I expect to be up to full production by early March. Just give the chickens good food. Some years I have bought some 20% or 22% high protein feed around this time of the year. That has gotten them started.

 

[kmw20045]

How recently did you get them? Even if they laid an egg the day before you brought them home, the move may be enough stress to send them on a laying strike for awhile. All of my birds except for one have not yet resumed laying from their winter break/molt. Also when I first brought home some adult birds last year, I did not see an egg from them for about 6 weeks, after they had fully settled in to their new home. They all look to be in good health/condition in your photo, so I wouldn't worry too much and hopefully in a few weeks you'll be getting eggs from everyone, new and old.

I've had them about a week. But they stopped laying a couple of months ago. I figured it could take a couple of months for them to start laying again if they are going to.

 

[PirateGirl]

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you are in the northern hemisphere, and it is winter, the break from laying is totally normal. They should resume again once their hormones think the daylight hours are long enough.

 

[kmw20045]

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you are in the northern hemisphere, and it is winter, the break from laying is totally normal. They should resume again once their hormones think the daylight hours are long enough.

We’re in Texas. Thanks for the info.

 

[Willowspirit]

I have been following and appreciate the info. I don't have to worry about big momma hen for awhile.