Roosting & egg laying issue

[Chelseyb123]

Hello there I have a flock of 13. 8 hens 5 roosters. Only two of my hens are currently laying before there was three laying. And this is week three since I got my last four hens (almost done molting now)also I don't have an issue with my roosters and hens they get along fine. my roosters are also much smaller except the father. My hens are the mean ones. Anyway I know the seasons are changing ect. All but two are done molting. I just don't think they would just stop like this.maybe to much stress in the house at night? They free range all day in a fenced in yard. Free feed and ones that lay go in the nest box .Also with my roosting issue at night only my four biggest hens are up on the roosts with the rooster plenty of room I have five tree branched roosts and then the rest of my flock is on the grown on the other side here are some pics and my hen on the roost In this photo I had to help her up there other wise she sleeps on the grown. I've tried grabbing the others a d putting them up but they just jump off I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE.

 

[azygous]

You have two issues, as I understand your post. One is no eggs. The second is some hens don't roost. Is that right? Or are there more issues?

If you live in the northern hemisphere (USA, UK), the days are almost too short for egg laying hormones to be triggered. If you wish eggs during the shortened daylight ahead through February, you need to supplement light. Putting a small wattage light on a timer to come on two or three hours before sunrise should accomplish this.

The other issue isn't so easy. If it's the new hens that aren't roosting, it's likely because they are newcomers and feel not entitled to roost with the higher ranking chickens. It will take time for them to gain self confidence. You should see them assert themselves at some point in the not-so-distant future.

If it's the original flock that isn't roosting, the issue is the same - lack of self confidence to assert themselves at roosting time. Or else they simply like sleeping on the floor for some reason and are now in the habit.

Some chickens are too heavy to jump up to high roosting perches. You could try lowering a couple to within a foot off the floor if you have any of these heavy breeds - Brahmas, Cochins, Orpingtons, etc.

 

[Chelseyb123]

Yes I live in Maine. No its been like this before i got the new comers. And its two of my new hens and two of the older ones with Mr.roo that roost at night and there tube biggest.the two other new ones were roosting and now they are not unless I get ahold of them and put them up they are also smaller. Im hoping to get rid of the other little roos and maybe that will help. But I probably should just be patient with the egg laying I don't t plan on using electricity. And ill just have to keep working on my roost problem. I have to clean out there house today since it rained hard here the past two days and I got a leak. But thank you and hopefully tonight I can very everyone off the grown

 

[aart]

Im hoping to get rid of the other little roos and maybe that will help.

Definitely.
How old are the little 'roos' and younger girls?

Roosts may be too small and too close to the walls and ceiling too.

How big is your coop in feet by feet?
Pics inside and out please?

 

[Chelseyb123]

No they are good sizes and plenty of room. last night though all my hen expect my young leg horn. she's 7 months now and lays every day I've tried putting her on roosts and she just jumps off. She's a odd one but I think she likes the floor for some reason. My Sussex that's the same age though hasn't started laying and they are from the same flock just diff breed. I got them in sept.