Rooster died...and now no eggs?!

[kvmommy]

My girls..or girl just started laying. We found 5 eggs under the deck. We used a rake to get them out and the girls (2 of them) were interested but not upset. Our rooster was sick from an attack almost a month prior and was just showing signs a few days before. So...the morning after we got the eggs, the rooster was found dead...under the deck. Butters my girl that I know for sure laid at least some of the eggs was very distraught. She called and called for him, like she does if she gets seperated. Well...since then there has been no more eggs. Its been about 4 days. Is it possible she is just upset because he died, or do you think they are laying elsewhere because we took the eggs from the nest? I hope she isn't laying elsewhere. *sigh. Also...both girls are suddenly squatting in front of me and allowing me to scratch them on their back...i'm assuming its a position for mating. Why are they suddenly doing this?

 

[kellysmall87]

The girls that are squatting for you - I guess they must of thought you were next in command now the rooster has gone. They must think you are the second rooster in the place!

As for the eggs - they could be upset, or broody. Having a clutch of eggs together encourages broodiness. Or as you say they could be laying elsewhere. Do they not use a nest box?

Maybe a new Rooster will restore balance? If not, the strongest hen will take dominance over the rest. Which isn't a bad thing.

 

[7L Farm]

After my Roo died the girls quit laying. Anything that disturbs the flock can cause them to quit laying far awhile. You might need to lock yours up for awhile & add some fake eggs to their nest boxes. They will be forced to lay in the coop hopefully in their boxes when they start laying again.

 

[Gersbud]

I had a rooster die recently as well, although my hens did not stop laying, they were distraught over Toad's (rooster) death. Chickens mourn just like we do over a death, they will start laying again soon. They do stop laying when they are distraught or frightened, it does take awhile for them to feel comfortable again and when they do they will start laying again.

 

[RedDrgn]

Stress. Their flock dynamics just changed, rather dramatically since the figurehead was totally removed. Just give them time to get their pecking order straightened out and settle and they'll go back to laying.

Also, they're squatting because your the new roo to them. It's how they offer themselves up for servicing to roos. A good scratch on the back and around the top of the tail and they'll be on their way with a ruffle of feathers.

Sorry about your boy. I'd cry my eyes out if we ever lost ours (or any of them ,really).

 

[CorinneP]

Very Sorry About your Roo .. Very Well might be Stress BUT I would keep my Eyes out for a new Hiding spot too .. Fairly Often when I find a sneaky spot .. they change it on me .. I only have a few that lay out of the hen house.. but It makes every day an Egg Hunt for me : )