How long before my chickens will lay eggs .

i love eggs

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I bought 8 one year old Rhode Island reds 4 days ago. They haven't started laying yet. I know the stress of relocating will make them stop laying for a while, but I was wondering what kind of experience with this others have had. Thanks.
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! If it is just the stress of moving usually they will start up again in a couple of weeks or a month or so, but it can be longer especially if they decide to go into a molt. Do you know if they were laying in their old home? How do they look, are they in good condition or are they molting etc? It is rather odd that 8 year old RIR didn't lay anything once you got them if they were laying. Are you sure of their age?
 
Welcome to BYC. Generally if they have been laying, hens will lay for a day or two after going to their new home - these are the eggs that were already 'in production'. Then they may take a break that can be days (if they are really mellow and you are really lucky) or even months if they go into a molt. Like Kelsie I am surprised that you did not get a few eggs from your new hens.
 
Thanks guys. The guy I bought them from said they were hatched last spring. He said he sells off all his year old hens each year. He had probably 50 chickens running around from chicks to full grown and all in between. I have no idea how to age them so I just took him at his word. Is there an easy way to age chickens? They seem to be happy and healthy.
 
I don't know if there is a proven way to age chicken since you can't tell by teeth - they have none.

Have you told this man that none of them are laying yet? If he has so many chickens, I doubt he would remember how old each one is. Do you feel he is a person you can trust? Was he recommended to you by someone you know. The buyer needs to be aware when dealing with total strangers.
 
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Welcome to BYC!

Give them time to adjust. Make sure they are on a good diet and keep the stress down for them. I hope they start laying soon for you.

Enjoy your new flock and welcome to ours!
 

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