need advice

[carolsaucier]

In early March we had a neighbors dog come and kill several of my hens and a kind friend gave me 2 RIR hens to rebuild in flock. All 8 hens are approximately the same age, born around June 1st last year. Since I have 2 different breeds the eggs are easy to identify as to who is laying and who is not. These new girls were introduced into flock about 5 weeks ago and as of yet not started to lay again. They seem to have intregrated into flock nicely and snuggle with my 1 remaining RIR to sleep at night. They all eat the same foods.

What do I need to do to induce these 2 girls to lay for me?

 

[gritsar]

You don't need to do a thing but have patience. Providing you are giving them the correct amount of feed and plenty of fresh water daily, they'll lay when the time is right for them. Hens are individuals.

 

[BANTAMWYANDOTTE]

Quote:
BEST ADVICE I"VE READ ALL DAY LONG!

Patience is key. RIR are great layers and in time they will prove it to you all over agian. I have had a little trouble with my Red Sex-Link girl's laying habits but after 50 lb of layers pellets and some oyster shells and a few more kitchen scraps...The girls all lay. So have a little patience and you can try adding a few treats to their meals to help the transtition (worms work well)

A Quote from my vet "The only hen that will lay an egg is a hen that feels safe in her environment, happy with her flock and unafriad of her living quarters. An unhappy hen will not lay"

I had a possum harassing my girls and because they felt threatened (by a possum who could get to them) they refused to lay because (the vet told me this to) they have an instinct to not lay eggs and try to raise young in a place they have seen predators. They felt it was unsafe for the chicks in their eggs so they stopped. I moved them, provided a dry nest box 8 inches below the roost, kept them dry and well fed and watered. I added Oyster Shells and Layers Pellets and within about four weeks, all six were laying agian!

A hen who lays is happy! Your RIR could just be taking longer to adjust from the move. Be patient and attentive to them and they will lay for you.

Just My Adivce!

Timothy in KY