Recently moved chickens not laying (yet)

[giulicrds]

New to chickens - we got five Rhode Island Reds a couple of days ago. They are about one year old and were laying, but they haven't laid since we got them. I'm guessing it's because they are still settling in, but I was wondering how long it will roughly take them to feel comfortable and start laying again. I want to have a rough idea of when I should start worrying that they're not happy & comfortable! thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They will settle in roughly a week after the move. Chickens don't like change. Change causes stress. Stress stops ovulation. No ovulation, no eggs.

 

[giulicrds]

That's what I thought. Just wanted to know when I should start worrying. Any tips to help them feel less stressed? Thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Don't disturb them. Just feed and water. Give them time to get adjusted to your routine and their surroundings. Perhaps a special treat at the same time every day like a handful of scratch, mealworms, crickets or canned mackerel. That will give them a routine that is pleasurable. Are you free ranging yet or are they in a pen?

 

[giulicrds]

Don't disturb them. Just feed and water. Give them time to get adjusted to your routine and their surroundings. Perhaps a special treat at the same time every day like a handful of scratch, mealworms, crickets or canned mackerel. That will give them a routine that is pleasurable. Are you free ranging yet or are they in a pen?

Thank you so much. We will try some treats. They are in a tractor so in a pen. There's dogs, cats and raccoons around so we figured free ranging is ot the best idea...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Since you are new to chickens, there are a few things I feel I have to stress.
Predator protection and fresh air are the most important things. The next two are fresh water and fresh feed. Thirdly, cleanliness with clean dry bedding in their housing.
Never underestimate the ability of predators to get to them. A raccoon can climb virtually anything and can squeeze into a 3" or smaller opening. A weasel/mink can get through a 1" opening. Raccoons are very strong. I've had them rip the siding off of a building, as have coyotes.
Chickens shouldn't go 24 hours without water and always check the mill date on a bag of feed before you buy it. Try to never feed food that is 3 months old or more. It will have lost much of the vitamin potency.

 

[giulicrds]

Since you are new to chickens, there are a few things I feel I have to stress.
Predator protection and fresh air are the most important things. The next two are fresh water and fresh feed. Thirdly, cleanliness with clean dry bedding in their housing.
Never underestimate the ability of predators to get to them. A raccoon can climb virtually anything and can squeeze into a 3" opening. A weasel/mink can get through a 1" opening. Raccoons are very strong. I've had them rip the siding off of a building.
Chickens shouldn't go 24 hours without water and always check the mill date on a bag of feed before you buy it. Try to never feed food that is 3 months old or more. It will have lost much of the vitamin potency.

Thank you so much. I appreciate all the tips. Always eager to learn!

 

[aart]

If they were actively laying at their old home,
I would expect to see a couple eggs the first day at the new home.
Eggs that were already 'in process' the day before the move.
But maybe not, so don't panic.

Pics of your birds and coop are always helpful.

You've gotten some great advice above,
so let me just say...
Welcome to BYC! @giulicrds
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!