How do you tell if a hen is spent?

[chickenwatcher]

I just bought 4 hens from a guy on Craigslist he said they were one year old sex link. I got one egg after 3 days of moving them and now month later and nothing! How can I tell if they are old or done laying? If it helps at all the roosters frequently mate with them.

 

[winkle1234]

Do they free range or are they confined to a run and coop?

If they free range they may be laying eggs but not in the nests. I would try confining them tor coop and run so you can check every location for eggs. They could also be molting and won't start laying eggs again until after the molt is complete. Molt usually start around 12-14 months of age and can last 2-3 months.

 

[chickenwatcher]

Molting is possible. They are free ranging but I tried leaving them in the coop and no eggs or anything.

 

[chickenwatcher]

How do you tell if a hen I molting? Other than no eggs.

 

[winkle1234]

Feather loss will happen in a particular order. You will see a loss of feathers starting on the face and head. After that comes the neck, breast, body, wings and finally the tail. They won't be totally bald in the areas that are molting but will look more ragged than before which may be difficult for you to judge since you have not had them for very long.

 

[locoguru]

They are also stressed from the move.

 

[chickenwatcher]

I'll check them closely for feather loss and report back.

 

[donrae]

If they moved a month ago, they shouldn't still be stressed from that.

Are their combs red and plump? That's a sign they should be laying.

You mention roosters. How many, and how many hens? Being overmated could lead to a drop in production.

How long did you try confining them, and how long after you got them? I'd keep them confined at least three days. If you did right after you got them, they could have still been stressed.