My hens are NOT LAYING - help!!!

[raskusbo]

We got 8 ex-battery hens a couple of weeks ago and the first couple of days we had about 4 or 5 eggs and then one a day but now we have had any for about 4 days.

I was wondering whether it is because there aren't getting enough light as it gets light at 7am and is dark by 4pm and was going to put a little in their house. Also we do have two dogs but they aren't barking or upsetting the chickens so i don't think it is that.

Other than that they are fit and well - eating and drinking normally.

Any advice would be greatly appeciated

Thanks
Vic

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Many factors play into hens and laying. Many times hens will stop laying after being moved. It takes them a while to get comfortable enough to start again. It is a natural defense mechanism. The lack of daylight right now is a really big factor. A hen requires a minimum of 14 hours of daylight to lay efficiently. These being old battery hens, they might just be saying "Ahhh we can take a rest from the torture we were put through". They should start laying again but it will take a few biological changes for them.