Tombull10 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I picked up 3 ex batts on Saturday. I've never had chickens before so I have lots to learn but I just wanted to check everything is OK. Sunday morning when i went to let them out they had laid 3 eggs. Monday and Tuesday just 1 egg and today none. They were off their food for the first couple of days but have well and truly found their appetites now. I just wanted to check if it's normal for them to stop laying?? I presume they are putting all their efforts into getting healthy and getting used to their new surroundings but any advice or re-assurance would be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 hi Tom, yes, I gather they do stop after a short while and take up to 6 weeks to get going again because of the change in routine/ food/ lifestyle and the use of their energy to feather up etc in the colder climate. Fingers crossed they will soon be laying wonderful dark-yolked eggs like "normal" chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 My little ex-batt monsters laid like good things for the first few weeks, then Dandelion ceased laying altogether for five and a half months. I was quite happy for her to opt for early retirement and then four weeks ago she just started laying again and has laid pretty much every day since . I seem to recall it is very common for ex-batts to go off lay when they first arrive, as they have so much to deal with in coming to terms with their lovely new lives. As Alih says, I'm sure they'll soon start up again when they realise the luxury is permanent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 It will take some time for your ex batts to get use to their new 5* luxury apartment and run. If you are able to give them layers mash, that is what they will have been used to and will be a good basis for them to start laying again. I would also suggest investing in some poultry spice to mix in with their food now and again and some poultry tonic for the water. I am sure it wont be long before you start getting 2 or 3 eggs a day again, it will just take a little time for them to adjust to their new home and surroundings. Once they are in a routine, then you can start to give them a few treats in the afternoons like raisins or sweetcorn or grapes etc. It is important to let them fill up on layers in the mornings to help their egg production. They may not respond at first to treats as they wont know what they are, however when they do, they will go mad. Good luck and for giving a home to your ex batts. Regards Dodge P.S. look at http://www.bhwt.org.uk/ for further help and advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 my poor little loves laid straight away but then they did arrive in summer of May last year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Mine laid for two days after arriving, but I guess those were eggs already in the pipeline, and they are now 'resting'. Bless 'em. I don't mind if they never lay again to be honest, I'm just so happy to have them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 It really can be hit and miss. We had 6 exbatts and after their first few eggs only two ever laid regularly. One was also an egg eater but even putting chilli and mustard in a blown egg didn't stop her so we left her to it. Our two remaining exbatts are both now laying. Edna has decided to restart after having months and months and months off We've always treated eggs from tham as a bonus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
