We started out with two buffs and a rhode island red (hens). We later integrated 1 buff, 1 rhode island red and 1 barred rock (hens). They were all full grown and laying. They stopped laying for maybe a few days, then all carried on beautifully. Later, we integrated 4 hens and 1 rooster (all a mixed breed of probably rhode island red and black sex link) at about 4 months old. They all seem to be able to share the same space nicely now (a bit of time of the little guys learning about pecking order). It has been about 6 weeks and we now only see about 1-2 eggs per day from 9 hens! Seems like they should have adjusted by now and returned to regular laying patterns (used to be about 4 eggs per day from the original 6 hens). Any thoughts? Advice? I would really appreciate any input!
Very good question! I'm also having a bit of trouble since integrating the young ones with the 2 adult birds. The RIR laid 1 egg in a week. I would certainly hope things would be settled by 6 weeks though. Hopefully someone with experience will come along!!
