New laying chickens

[nakitaj11]

Good morning everyone! I have been raising chicks...now 6 weeks old, but I was given 5 hens and 1 rooster a few days ago. The first day they were here I received 1 egg which was really exciting and in perfect condition. Two days ago I was in the run and saw one of the hens squat down and lay what seemed like a yolk. It was literally just a yolk in a sack that was tough enough for me to pick up. This morning I checked the nest boxes and there was a more fully developed egg, the correct size for the hens, but the outer shell was really soft. I immediately removed it so that none of the chickens would peck and eat it. I am wondering if this is something common for new laying hens? I was told they are 4-5 months old and that they had started finding eggs around their place before they brought them to us. The person who brought them to us said that she was feeding a mix of layer feed and meal worms. I have been feeding them a mix of the chick starter feed and layer feed since I hear a lot of treats aren't good for them, and I still need my chicks to continue growing. Also, not all of the hens are laying. In addition to this I have been throwing in dandelion weeds when I go around the garden (which they seem to love), and some small worms I gathered when I was planting the other day. Mostly my small chicks got those. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Perris]

I am wondering if this is something common for new laying hens?

yes it is, and this and other weirdness could go on for a couple of months before it straightens out, but it will settle down. You are doing all the right things - regular collection will minimize the risk of an egg eater arising from this opportunity. They can all eat chick feed no problems. Chicks shouldn't have layer feed really though; the extra calcium in it is bad for their kidneys.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Your hens are new so the stress from moving will throw things off for a little bit. Also they're still young if what the seller said was true, so young layers tend to have more glitches while their system works things out.

 

[aart]

You could give all the the birds starter feed, and put out some Oyster Shells in a separate feeder for the new layers.