Introduced new chickens to a laying flock.

[ajrisley]

My husband and I introduced 3 new chickens to our flock of 10 layers. We weren't even thinking and it messed my girls all up. We went form 8 or 9 eggs a day to 1 or 2. I know it stressed them out and they will establish a new pecking order. How long before they go back to laying? It's been 4 weeks and I'm still only getting 1 or 2 eggs a week.

Thanks!

 

[21hens-incharge]

It is also fall. They slow and many stop for the winter. Molting hens tend to stop laying too.

Remember that the days are short now and chickens need about 14 hours of light to keep laying.

My girls get to take the winter off.

 

[ajrisley]

I didn't realize they can stop in the winter. I knew they slowed down, but not stopped. We got these guys in February, so it's mg first fall as a chicken owner. Thank you!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yours are young. You may still get eggs through the winter.

Some pullets will lay through their first winter. Most all of mine take November through January off. Some will hold out until April even.