traumatized hen

[swicklund]

I had 4 chickens and 3 were killed by a mink last labor day weekend. The sole survivor hasnt laid an egg since. I brought another hen in with her for companionship and she lays eggs but the survivor hasnt laid one. Could trauma cause this problem?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Trauma could be a contributory factor, I would imagine.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

When a dog killed two of my ducks the rest of them didn't lay for months after. The daylight and the trauma definitely will contribute

 

[N F C]

So sorry for your loss. If you're sure the sole survivor was not injured, the stress of the attack could affect her laying but Labor Day was quite some time ago (back in September I believe).

I hope others can give you some tips or advice on her. Best of luck to you & her.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Welcome to BYC!

It's possible that it's just the time of year because they slow in laying during the winter but yes, trauma can delay laying, sometimes for months. I have a hen that witnessed her sister passing and she stopped laying almost immediately and didn't lay again for months. On the other hand I've had a hen attacked by a hawk and she barely took a break from laying.

 

[BullChick]

Yes, it’s possibly stress. We can’t guess how long a chicken will take to feel safe again. Goodness, we can’t even be sure of why the chicken crossed the road! Regardless, she will likely start back up soon. Any changes in the coop can cause a pause, so introduce a few more hens soon to prevent that from being another reason to not lay.

 

[colleeflowers]

Hello,
I'm having the same problem. One of my girls lost her best friend suddenly back in January to some some type of illness. I think it was ascites that I didn't catch quick enough. It's April, and since the day that happened my girl hasn't laid an egg since. She is a year old and was my best layer. I don't need the eggs, but I am concerned. Didn't know chickens could be so sensitive.