On Friday I caught 4 chickens from my sister-in-laws. They came with the house they just bought (true story) I know they were laying 1 1/2 months ago. They were in nesting boxes and there were eggs in there. My brother-in-law removed the eggs planning on a fresh start but...they moved where they were laying and no one could find them. Thus they grew tired of the chickens (they free ranged) and I now have them in a chicken tractor. My question is ...is there anything I can do to acclimate them and get them laying?? They have not laid yet in the coop part of my tractor. I have given them laying mash, scratch, grit,meal worms and apples to eat so far. I also realize it has only been 2 days since the trama of being chased, caught and moved. One is whithe and the other three are brown. Thanks for any help, Pete
I've recently moved my chickens from the front yard to a nice, big pen of their own in the back of the house. They still have their henhouse with nesting boxes, and I made sure the move was as stress-free as possible. And STILL they went "on strike" for over 6 weeks. Give it time, they'll come around, but it'll take a while.
When we bought our first 6 layers, they took about a week to acclimate to their surroundings. Give them time! They will perform and pay the rent.
Chickie's like to feel at home. Your new girls might still think they are just visiting. Sounds like you have a good home for them, I'm sure that they will love it soon.
