Backyard Poultry Forum

Hi All
I'm after a bit of guidance. I have four hens. Two Isa Browns and 2 Australorp crosses. The two Isa Browns came on Sunday 10/12/17. By Tuesday both had given me an egg. One got a bit sulky went off her food. The last egg she gave us was on the Thursday 14/12/17. It also had no shell. She hasn't given us an egg again since. She's a young pullet, I estimate 26weeks. We also got 2 Australorps on the 19/12/17. So I wanted to know if I should be worried about egg production or she's still coming into to being a regular layer, or just all the excitement of new home and new chickens arriving too. Thanks for any help. I'm a little worried about her.


Edited to add 07/01/18
Still hasn't laid an egg. Should I think of a supplement. Either with electrolytes or calcium? Thanks

Edited again on 16/01/18 She has finally laid an egg again. Yay

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

Probably not. You should also be aware that decreasing daylength triggers moulting in most birds and may coincide with decreased egg prodution.

Our chooks aren't meant to cause us so much worry & anxiety.

Happy New Year!

Thank you.

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

Still no egg laid. Any suggestions?

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

There's nothing much that you can do (except to search for a hidden nest or be sure that she isn't egg eating). Laying is triggered by hormones and will cease if she is moulting. Hot weather or stress can have a temporary effect but is only short term. By 20 weeks most ISA will be in full swing as layers.
Diet is important to support healthy laying. The best and easiest option is a good quality layer pellet (at least 15% protein - ideally more for high output birds like ISA) and free access to shell grit for calcium.
Glitches like shell less eggs are not unusual with first layers but they can also indicate a reproductive disorder. Is she otherwise healthy - vent clean?
Are you sure sure that both the blacks are laying? Australorp crosses may start laying later than ISA.

Hi Sue

No hidden eggs anywhere, I have been searching. We are Qld, so can get hot. The black chickens are too young to start laying estimated to be 19 weeks. I'll just wait a little longer. She eats well I use barastoc golden yolk.

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

She started to lay again, yay so happy

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

Great

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

It is Great. I must admit I was starting to wonder if she needed a vet check. I think she just got a little stressed when the new chickens arrived. They have all found their pecking order and get along well now.

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

All four ladies have laid an egg.

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.

Excellent!! It’s so nice when everything works out well

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

It lovely collecting four eggs from four lovely chooks.

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Four happy chickens added Dec 2017
Two Isa Browns and Two Australorp crosses.