When will new hen lay?

[Tnredraven]

I just purchased a pair of Buff Laced Polish Bantams approx. 6 to 9 months old. At first they were nervous and didn't want to come out of coop. They are starting to venture out, but will scurry back in when i go out to their run ( the rooster is a bit more bold...but not by much!..lol). I know she is unsure and need to get used to her surroundings, but when should she start to lay again? I have no experience with relocating chickens, or bantams, so not sure how long it would take for them to settle. Thanks!

 

[azygous]

It's an individual thing. Some chickens adjust quickly. Others need more time. Unless you live where the days are getting shorter rather than longer, you should be seeing eggs within two weeks at the most.

Is there plenty of space? Do you have other chickens that might be bullying the newcomers? If they're being bullied, they could be stressed and egg laying could take longer to resume.

 

[Tnredraven]

It's an individual thing. Some chickens adjust quickly. Others need more time. Unless you live where the days are getting shorter rather than longer, you should be seeing eggs within two weeks at the most.

Is there plenty of space? Do you have other chickens that might be bullying the newcomers? If they're being bullied, they could be stressed and egg laying could take longer to resume.

They have good coop space 9 sq ft for 2 bantams. i have a 32 sq ft run for them for now and have placed it along the run of my other chickens so they can get used to each other. I don't plan on housing them together but i want to turn all the chickens loose in my garden ( 166ftx35ft ) after i get it fenced, so i want them to get along. My other chickens are full sized Golden Laced Wyandotte and for the most part are docile. I have one issue with the rooster being rough on one hen, but i think that is my fault for not getting him enough hens. He has only 4 hens right now. Do you think i should wait to turn them loose together untill i get my big roo some more ladies? I really don't want him picking on my little bantam. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[azygous]

I like to hold off on putting new chickens with the home flock until everyone has had a chance to get acquainted. If you can keep the new ones separate for a little while but still let everyone see each other, it will give the new ones a chance to observe the different temperaments. That way they'll know who to trust and who to avoid.