New Chickens suddenly stopped laying?!?!

TonyCagg

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3 weeks ago we got three new chickens, our first. They were laying 3 eggs per day (most days) then they suddenly stopped laying.

4 days ago there was 1 egg...then another 2 days later, now it has been several days with nothing.

Not sure if we are doing something wrong, or if it is normal for them to suddenly stop.

Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks
Tony
 
Sometimes extreme temperature changes can cause this or stress or not enough nutrition calcium
 
I am feeding layer pellets, scratch feed, oyster shells (free choice), as well as all sorts of mixed veggies from our garden.

Heat has not been a huge factor, as temps have been in the 80's at most, and quite pleasant at night.

They are acting clam, and normal. Just frustrating.
 
Treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet, this includes scratch grains. Lay off the goodies until they are back to eating their feed. If production doesn't start to pick back up after a week, then you might want to try worming them.
 
Another idea is the effects of the stress of them moving may have been delayed. Moving is a very stressful experience for most chickens. Sometimes you can see this in their behavior, sometimes only in signs such as stopping laying. Still, I would give them a good look-over...check for mites, lice, general health, comb color (it should be bright red if they're laying), behavior during the day (are they listless or moving around like normal chickens?). Like junebugga mentioned, it might also be worms. If so, they probably came with the worms and the stress of the move may have weakened their immune systems that gave the worms the upper hand. Some worms can be seen (or their eggs) in the chicken poo, some cannot. I'm not an expert on worms as no one around here I know of has had problems with worms, which is probably due to our very dry climate and pretty cold winters, which will keep the worm population lower. Look up the diseases and emergency thread and you will fill your brain with all the worm info.
 
Thank you all, I have looked them over pretty thoroughly.

They all look really good, honestly. Feathers are clean, groomed, combs bright red, the birds are very active, feed scratching and interacting well.

I was a licensed vet tech and a former zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo, and can't get over that they look very healthy, and seem content.

I have seen no sign of worms, but may worm them in a day or two anyway.

Quite frustrating.
 

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