New Hens No Eggs?

[Ringtailtwister]

I bought two Australorp hens from a man and he didn't know how old they where because he got them on a chicken tractor trade.. He said one of them was laying a egg every few days. She did that for me the first couple of weeks. She Iayed a egg ever third day or so. She then stared laying every day for 5 or 6 days and quiet for about another week. I checked today and there was another one what is going on? The other hen has never layed but she has had bumble foot ever since I've had her could that be the reason. Other than the foot problem she is very healthy. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not all chickens are consistent layers, some are regular, others are sporadic, also the older the bird the more likely to not be consistent. Certainly any injury or stress will halt laying, and of course the seasonal molt.

 

[donrae]

My first thought is you got someone's older hens who were cycling down to take a break for the winter. It's up to you if you keep them (and feed them) over the winter and hope they start laying again in spring.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Gosh, I don't if she layed for you then quit. I'll X2 on Oldhen, just saw she posted. Days are shorter, they might shut down, but In Tn it's not like Alaska. Threads say 14 hrs daylight. l could be molting. Feed them up well, deworm if you haven't ant wait them out is what I would do.