One chicken not laying - any suggestions why?

[chrispenglish]

I've had 3 hybrids for 18 months now. Last winter they went through with scarcely a dip in lay rate (I too was once young but that's a different story).

This year, towards the end of October, one went into moult and stopped laying. Fair enough.
But although her new feathers are growing, we've had nothing from her for 5 going on 6 weeks and I'm getting concerned for her. She's been wormed and seems OK in herself. The others are still laying every day or so.

Am I just being impatient?

Thanks in advance

[oldjerry]

Well yes you are!Mature birds usually stop laying when the day length shortens(can be fooled with extra light).She'll start again in the spring,the others will do the same next autumn.Best Wishes.

[pigchicks]

Yeah, I think you are being a bit... hey at least the others are laying! I've got a few ex-bats and some rare breeds - 9 in total and atleast 6 are on winter strike!

All you can do is ensure they are wormed as you have done, and water and feed well.

I'm just looking forward to spring again!

[chrispenglish]

Thank you all for your advice

I guess that with such a small 'flock', the law of averages says that next winter we may have all 3 on strike. Still, I always thought a surplus of eggs was a Spring thing and was a bit surprised when we carried the surplus through all Winter. Seasonality is no bad thing in my book.

Slightly off topic, has anyone got advice or experience about introducing a 4th bird into an established flock of 3? (we have the space). Is it any different to how to do it with more birds?

Many thanks

[Millymollymandy]

I agree with Susie, one solitary one is going to be very picked on and feel very alone, with two or more, they'll still be picked on but they will have each other and they will share in the being bullied!

[snackman27]

Im looking for some more hens as the couple down the road are moving, so now there hens have gone every one is knocking at my door.
Im having to say no to them as i want to keep my regs happy.
Is now a bad time to buy ??

[oldjerry]

Could be hard to source, try ringing Cyril Bason in Craven Arms (no relation,but I know them well) if they have some they will deliver to you.Best Wishes