Should I seperate my laying hens from my 3 month old pullets

[i love eggs]

I bought 8 laying hens and 7 3 month old pullets10 days ago. I got one egg on days 4,5,7,and 8. I know relocating can cause stress and delay laying . They show no signs of molt or sickness. I read on another thread that sometimes hens won't lay until the younger hens in the pen start laying also. Has anyone else had an experience with this?

 

[Basskids08]

Hello and welcome to our flock! Have you tried posting your question in egg behaviors and egg laying? Here is the link to do that. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying. I'm sure someone there can answer your question. I do know that when new chickens are brought in it can sometimes take a couple days for them to adjust and start laying again. Feel free to ask any questions you may have!
We also have a great learning center with numerous articles to help you along, https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Newly moved hens can stop laying for several weeks until they get adjusted to their new home. It has nothing to do with the pullets not laying. If you are free ranging your birds, they could also be laying out in the field somewhere in a hidden nest. Health issues can also cause hens to stop laying...worms, respiratory ailments, mites, etc....So I would give them a good once over looking for signs if any ailments that might cause them not to lay.

But I would give them more time. I have heard of some hens going months before they start laying again after a move. Keep the stress down, don't pick them up much, keep fake eggs in the nest boxes and go sit quietly with them daily to help the relax around you.

Good luck with your new flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good advice above, it is probably stress related to moving and doesn't have anything to do with the younger hens not laying. Hope they start up again soon for you.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! You've received some good advice, best of luck to you.

 

[drumstick diva]

Are your laying hens and young pullets getting along well together? If bullying is going on that would cause stress and could affect either bunch or both.

 

[i love eggs]

The older hens mess with the younger some but nothing brutal. I have 2 feed and water areas and 3 different little shelters where the younger ones can stay out of the way. Everyone seems to get their turn eating and drinking, and the pecking order seems pretty well established. The only time it seems to be tense is roosting time, they all seem to want on the same perch. There is plenty of space but seem to want one particular spot. So they really don't seem that stressed. They act relaxed and scratch and feed the pen int the day.

 

[gander007]