new (to me) hens, when will they lay?

[marcosmommy]

Hello! About 3 weeks ago I aquired 5 hens and a rooster that were already laying (well, the rooster wasn't laying, hehe). I was hoping to start getting some eggs a few days after I got them settled into my coop, but I havn't gotten one egg yet. They are barnyard mutts, but I think they have some Rhode Island red in them. I was told they are about a year old. I have 4 pullets (barred rock hens) in the same coop, but their "space" is sectioned off with chicken wire because they are still on "baby food" (they are only 2.5 months old). I provided them with some homemade nesting boxes but all they do is roost on top of them. Any ideas on why they aren't laying for me yet?

 

[soctippy]

my guess is that they are stressed from the move to a new home. give it a week.

 

[marcosmommy]

Quote:
I have had them for almost 3 weeks now, does it really take that long?

 

[gallusdomesticus]

I would check to see if they're laying somewhere else in a 'secret' nest. I've had chickens lay in the darndest places, especially if they're new to the laying game. Do you have a fake egg to put in the nest like a golf ball or plastic easter egg to give them the hint of where to lay?

 

[chicks4kids]

How do you know that they were already laying? You may have just been told that they were laying hens...hate to think it, but it may be true. I bought 3 that were "laying" too, they told me and after a week, only 2 have laid eggs. They may just not be old enough yet...

 

[emilyweck]

Egg Eaters?

 

[missfitch]

sunday marked three weeks for my new girls (two rir hens a year old) still no eggs yet but I think that can be normal for a big move, we will see, I saw there eggs, and loved their owner so its got to be the stress of move, I give them treats and food and well,.............. I will check back, good luck maybe the morning will bring scrambled eggs~

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. It could take days or it could take weeks before they start laying again.

 

[montcapu]

do they free range? they could be laying somewhere else, which is common in my case, I have an aracana who will lay in the house for a few days then I cannot find her nest for a few days, what type of feed are they on? could be the switch of feed, they need to get use to to that... I am sure everything is fine, could be stress or hiding nest