Stressed Out Hen...

[catdaddy66]

My only hen that remains fromat least 27 birds (killed by dogs

due to my ignorance

) was recently stressed as her 2 coopmates were killed by dogs; she is 12 weeks and I was wondering if this stress would likely alter her laying start? I believe 18-22 weeks is pretty accurate for a lot of breeds (she is an EE). Hope that she doesn't take too long to lay and doubt she will, but who knows how chickens think/feel? Any thoughts on what I might expect? Thanks a lot!

 

[Swampwood]

You've let dogs kill 27 chickens???? One stressed bird doesn't sound like the problem.

 

[Mahonri]

At 12 weeks I wouldn't be worrying about her laying yet. None of my EEs every laid until they were 25-26 weeks and some waited until 30.

Does she have any other coop mates?

Have you secured your yard, run and coop so that no one else gets killed?

Those are the things I'd be concerned about first.

 

[sourland]

Unless you do something about your situation, you won't need to worry about her initiation of egg laying.