Would a rooster help?

[pacenme]

So I haven't had any eggs in 8 days. Could it be because I got them from someone that had 5 roosters to 30 hens? Someone told me that if my hens wouldn't lay that I may need a rooster? Is there any truth to this? I know many people who don't own a rooster and their hens have no trouble laying. Please help! We had no easter eggs this year

 

[FireTigeris]

No, you don't need a rooster- they are stressed from moving- they will get over it. give them time, may be a little more then two weeks.

 

[Davaroo]

Hens do not need a rooster to lay - it happens every 27 hours or so, all things being equal.
But MANY things can pout them off laying, from stress to changes in diet.
Just keep feeding them and be patient. My bet is they will come around.

 

[pacenme]

Thanx! I didn't think I needed one. Its just that its been 2 weeks since I got them and 2 of them have not layed any eggs and my other 2 stopped laying 8 days ago. Also my one is molting/leaving feathers all over the place. Is that normal? Sorry to ask such silly ?'s

 

[applegal]

Your molting hen will not laying during the molt. Like the other posts said...your lack of eggs is likely due to the stress from the move. Give them some time, keep an eye out for disease. Remember, if they came from another larger flock, there is still some pecking order and routines to get sorted out. Relax and give them

 

[mrsc1951]

Not silly questions at all! If your hen is moulting, she may not/probably won't lay until she is finished with her moult. After about a year of age they do typically moult.

 

[applegal]

whoops..
what I was saying.. give 'em time.

Asking questions - not silly.
Yes during a molt, feathers everywhere is perfectly normal. The bird(s) will look really ragged for a bit and then will be gorgeous when done with all new feathers.

 

[FireTigeris]

Here are more answers:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/423023/why-arent-my-chickens-laying-here-are-your-answers