Rainy weather ... No Egg?

[GHFarmGirl]

I'm a new chicken owner. Our first hen to lay is a New Hampshire Red. She has been laying a egg a day 7/8 days. This week is stormed for 4 days without sunshine. She hasn't laid an egg for 2 days now. Is that normal? Her behavior hasn't changed and her appetite is the same.

 

[chickenlover09]

Ya it's normal. Chickens require light to lay, so if she isn't getting any, she won't lay.

 

[aart]

4 days of rain is not enough lack of light to stop laying. Tho if you are not using supplemental lighting during these lengthening nights, it could effect even new layers.

If she's only been laying for 7 or 8 days, then she is still working on getting her system in line, not unusual to miss a few days during the first month or so of laying.

If the bad weather has kept the birds cooped up and they don't have enough space, then the stress of crowded housing could also be a factor.

 

[chickenlover09]

aart- I know i'm not the person who originally asked the question, but how long should you generally wait when a chicken starts laying to actually eat the eggs?

 

[aart]

aart- I know i'm not the person who originally asked the question, but how long should you generally wait when a chicken starts laying to actually eat the eggs?

I eat them from the very first one...no reason to wait.

 

[chickenlover09]

Okay thanks. I read somewhere that you should wait a week...

 

[GHFarmGirl]

...

Ya it's normal. Chickens require light to lay, so if she isn't getting any, she won't lay.
[/quote
She laid one today. Guess I had nothing to worry about. Having chickens is like being a new mom all over again!

4 days of rain is not enough lack of light to stop laying. Tho if you are not using supplemental lighting during these lengthening nights, it could effect even new layers.

If she's only been laying for 7 or 8 days, then she is still working on getting her system in line, not unusual to miss a few days during the first month or so of laying.

If the bad weather has kept the birds cooped up and they don't have enough space, then the stress of crowded housing could also be a factor.

 

[chickenlover09]

haha

 

[Nofowlplay]

Need advice......my SS has stopped laying eggs. She has a bout of sour crop and laid 2 after that. But it's been a month. We have has a lot of overcast days and rain recently. She has good food, calcium, plenty of room. nice red comb and free range time treats. She eats well. What could be going on? The other 2 girls are laying and the 4th girl is broody.