new coop no eggs

[DonelleA]

Hi, There has been some activity at our place in the last week. We moved our flock of 8 into a new coop, bigger and improved so new nesting boxes. We also added 4 new hens at the same time and 2 of the new ones wont leave the coop unless we put them out then they stay out for a bit and go back in lol.. they are a little scared, they are used to their little coop in the garage it seems. 2 of my existing flock was laying about every other day, they just started in July to lay but since we moved them and added new hens, they havent laid anything. 3 of the existing flock should be laying soon as they are all about 6 months old. I checked for a nest somewhere else like the hay barn, I have found them one time laying in there, nothing anywhere. We live in WI so the days are getting shorter but they still get 10 hours of light. Is it because they dont have privacy? should we put a roof on the new nesting boxes? The nesting boxes sit about 8 inches from the ground, should they be taller? The new coop has windows, is it too light? Or is it because the 2 of the new hens wont leave the coop yet, I think they will once they figure out that outside is fun. I want my hens to be happy and laying lol.
thanks Donelle

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change. The new coop plus the addition of new birds coupled with shortening day length - all has probably contributed to the break in laying.

 

[DonelleA]

so then they will start laying again eventually?

 

[aart]

so then they will start laying again eventually?

Eventually, yes.
The ones that were laying may be laying somewhere you just haven't found.
Might want to confine them to coop and run until they settle back in to laying in the coop nests...tho that might be tricky with the new bird additions. Hopefully you have lots of space in coop and run.

 

[50-45-1]

Yes, i would put lids on you nest nest boxes. Hens like a dark quiet and safe plase to lay there eggs.
I also recomend fake eggs or golf balls in each nest to entice them.
They will get the idea soon.