New hens not laying

[Chichi_08]

hello, nearly a month ago I bought 6 new RTL hens (3 barred rock 3 Colombian). None have started to lay. I realize they may have been slightly stressed from the change and being added to an exsisting flock (6 1 year old red sexed link). However, they are all co exsisting in one coop and run. I allow the red sexed link to free range during the day (when I’m home). I’m concerned as to why they are not laying. Any suggestions?

 

[Chichi_08]

Should hace Added that they were segregated and slowly integrated into one coop and run. There has been some hen pecking and dominance but no blood shed.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Do you know how old they are? Were any of them laying before the move? The Barred Rock don't look like they're old enough to lay yet.

 

[cmom]

I agree they may not have started to lay yet. Also moving birds from one coop to another can affect them.

 

[PirateGirl]

The two barred are not ready to lay yet. No combs to speak of. They will get there, just a little young yet. The others are either very close to laying and haven't started yet due to age, or are on a break due to the move. When my ducks moved in it was about 6 weeks before they resumed laying. They all look healthy, so I wouldn't worry too much. Try to be patient.

 

[Chichi_08]

I was wondering if they might be too young. I was told that they would be up to 23 wks old when they arrived.

 

[PirateGirl]

I was wondering if they might be too young. I was told that they would be up to 23 wks old when they arrived.

They could be 23 weeks and not laying. Chickens start laying whenever they feel like it. I think my first layer was about 5 months old and my last layer was 11 months old before she finally laid an egg. The lack of big red combs on the barred rocks indicates that they aren't likely laying yet, but when the comb finally grows it's usually very quick and eggs follow shortly after.

 

[Chichi_08]

Thank you everyone! I was starting to get worried and wondering if I should move them back to their temporary coop. I’ll try to be patient and hope they start laying soon