Is it normal for pullets to stop laying when you bring them to a new home? I purchased 4 pullets a couple of weeks ago, the day after I brought them home I got an egg, then 2 days later another, since then it has been about 2 or 3 weeks and no eggs. My guess is stress of moving to their home. I have read some of the other postings about chickens stopping laying, and the best explanation I have come up with is stress. They seem to be happy, friendly, eating, and drinking well. Any one have any suggestions? I have 2 Rhode Island Reds and 2 that the breeder I got them from called Golden Sex Links. Thank You for your input.
Definitely! The stress of moving can upset the egg laying process. Give them a week or two to get settled in, and they should be back in business. Another oddity in laying strikes could be a broody in the coop. One broody can stop all the hens from laying. Just an fyi, but I'm sure yours is from the stress of moving.
That, and it is also possible that they had the advantage of supplemental lighting at their former residence. This is the darkest period of the year and to keep production from disappearing, many owners supplement the light, by using an inexpensive timer, and have it come on at 5 am for a pre-dawn wake up call.
The stress of moving coupled with shortening daylength can definately cause them to stop egg laying. For how long??????
Quote:I agree... They may not lay for around a month. Just be patient with them they will get it together eventually.
