New hens not laying

[User635240]

Hi, I bought 15 hens from a local family. I believe them that the hens are 1-2 years old. I just put them in the barn with another group of 20 chickens (a couple of nice roosters). I know it would have been better to keep them separate until acclimated but I'm out of cages. The existing hens have pecked occasionally at the new hens. They've gravitated to hanging out under the RV where the dogs and a couple of baby goats like to sit as well. It's been two days and I've only seen one egg from them (which she laid after sneaking into my RV ). Is it possible they aren't laying due to stress? Or the dogs are eating all their eggs? Usually the dogs leave the shells tho and I don't see anything.

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change. Hens almost always take a break in their laying cycle after being moved to a new home. It may be a matter of weeks or longer before they resume laying.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Did you get them from a commercial farm? Are they at the end of a laying cycle and need to molt before they go back into egg production? Are they molting?

Are you sure they are not hiding a nest from you? They are new there and don't know their way around yet. They can be really sneaky about hiding a nest.

Sourland may have nailed the reason.

 

[User635240]

I acquired them from a family that was downsizing their backyard flock. They don't appear to be molting. I'll keep looking around for a nest.

Did you get them from a commercial farm? Are they at the end of a laying cycle and need to molt before they go back into egg production? Are they molting?

Are you sure they are not hiding a nest from you? They are new there and don't know their way around yet. They can be really sneaky about hiding a nest.

Sourland may have nailed the reason.

 

[User635240]

Hey all thanks for your responses. Yesterday a second hen from this new group laid an egg in one of the quieter goat stalls. So like you said it'll take some time.