[Sarah C]

Hi everyone,

We got two hens about 5-6 weeks ago, one Columbine and one Fenning Coucou. They've settled in fine and had taken to charging out of the house every morning when we opened the pop hole.
For the last two mornings though they've seemed a bit subdued, they come straight out, but walk rather than run and seem to be standing around looking a bit forelorn in their run. They are eating and drinking as normal, no change in poos and were happily pecking around the garden yesterday afternoon when I let them out of the run.
Any ideas? they haven't started to lay yet, although we were told when we bought them they were 4-6 weeks off so thought they would have by now. Their faces and combs have changed a lot since we got them, really grown combs and now very red, which I had thought was a sign.

Sorry for long post, but any ideas anyone? and do some hens never lay??

Thanks!

[Ruby Red]

Do you have anything they could play with in the run. Try hanging a cabbage or a corn on the cob from the side of the run. Is the run big enough for a bit of a branch with twiggy bits on. They love to climb up on tree branches. Try this and see if it perks them up , perhaps they are a bit bored. Can you let them out while you are there for an hour. Dont worry about not laying yet, mine didnt start till they were about 28/29 weeks. Id almost given up. Good luck.

[Ruby Red]

Oops sorry I just read your post again and you say they are happy when pecking around outside the run. It may be what I say and they are just a bit bored.

[Foxy]

Perhaps being a bit subdued is a sign of iminent lay. Could be a bit hormonal? :shock:

Anway, where are the pics? Or have I missed them!