When will my hens lay again?

[antiquebuff]

I am new to back yard chickens and I am loving every minute of it!

But, I bought four hens that were 6 months old and they were laying. I have had them 4 weeks and there are no eggs to be seen. I put nesting boxes in and have straw in them and plastic eggs but still no luck. I am feeding cracked corn, laying pellet and oyster shells. They can go outside in their pen any time and back inside. They are bantam cochins and Polish Top Hats. What am I doing wrong ??? I love these beautiful birds!
I also have 15 silkies and 8 cochins in the incubator that are due to hatch March 1st. I think I have the fever!

Thanks for any information!

 

[kstaven]

You have done nothing wrong. Changes in environment, new coop, move, new flock mates can cause stress that will cause a shut down in egg production for weeks.

 

[Nichole77]

When they darn well feel like it. It's like watching the pot boil.

 

[bigzio]

Hens need 14 hours of light for optimum laying results. Hanging a light bulb in the coop with a timer will achieve this. I choose to add the additional time in am hours, so the flock can go to roost like normal and not have it go dark in the miidle of a drink or whatever.

Maybe the previous owner was providing additioal lighting?

Stress from the new environment would also make a difference.

bigzio

 

[sadieH5836]

I was wondering the same thing. I got my girls in january everyone seems happy and heathy. Im giving them extra light, layer pellets, cracked corn, oatmeal, and veggie/ fruit scraps. I got a few eggs in the first few days I had them then nothing. Could our up and down weather keep them from laying?

 

[antiquebuff]

Thanks for all the help. I think I may need to add some light. It has been a very cold here in the Western NC Mountains. I may also be driving them crazy going to check on them so you are right in the "Watch pot never Boils"

Maybe when my Silkies hatch on Monday I will give them all the attention and the others can have a break!