How long to settle in to new home?

[jhhess]

I got a pair of Lavender Orpingtons a couple of weeks ago and they are still settling in to their new digs. They were supposedly hatched in January and have never laid an egg. Not for the lady that owned them before me, and definitely not for me. I know it will take time for them to settle in, but is it weeks or months?

Plus, it is so stinkin' hot here. 99 degrees today, over 100 yesterday. I'm struggling to keep them cool. I'm not going to get a break in the heat for at least another week. Poor girls.

Janis

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I got a pair of Lavender Orpingtons a couple of weeks ago and they are still settling in to their new digs. They were supposedly hatched in January and have never laid an egg. Not for the lady that owned them before me, and definitely not for me. I know it will take time for them to settle in, but is it weeks or months?

Plus, it is so stinkin' hot here. 99 degrees today, over 100 yesterday. I'm struggling to keep them cool. I'm not going to get a break in the heat for at least another week. Poor girls.

Janis

Can you post a photo or two of your new birds? We may better be able to help you gauge how close to laying they may be. Generally speaking, the "settling in" with regards to moving and hens is more to do with birds that were laying and have their production disrupted by the change - and that can take a few weeks or longer (or less, because chickens love to keep you guessing and don't read the rule books). Are there other birds that they have been integrated with or are they all on their own? That can play into how long the settling in process might take.

 

[jhhess]

They are the only two I have right now. I'm such a rookie and I didn't want to take on too much until I have more experience. I feel so bad for them because they are so hot. I bought them a new box fan today and iced down both of their waterers. They HATE the mister so I guess I'll use that myself. I froze a gallon jug of water and put it where they usually hang out under the coop, but they were afraid of it and stayed out free ranging most of the day panting away in the shade.

I've attached some really not so good pictures, but they are all I have at the moment. They are from before I started letting them free range last Saturday. They are getting braver every day and have discovered our rosemary patch. At least they smell good now.

Janis