Entire flock stopped laying

[Krysholland]

My entire flock of hens and runner ducks stopped laying eggs when we changed the coop around, and I was getting almost 2.5 cartons a day. I introduced a younger rooster and wondering that was the problem.
I’ve given them some gut health medicine, cleaned all the waters, fresh bedding laid. So in a short time I switched the coop, we put the younger rooster in, and we went on vacation so they were watched by our tenant (who isn’t a big chicken person). Should I wait a bit longer and see if the rooster adjust and it was a disruption in their coop set up (it’s been about 3 weeks) for why they stopped laying or remove the rooster and maybe start getting some friggen eggs again?!

 

[Livia Ammon]

Seems to me that they could be stressed. When they’re stressed they often stop laying and the combination of a fairly new coop and a new rooster probably stressed them. Perhaps take the rooster out for a bit and see if they start to lay again. If they do, you could put the rooster in a dog crate near them so they can get acquainted without him pestering them. Best of luck!

 

[thecatumbrella]

This is just a guess, but I think there were too many changes at once. As much as chickens seem to crave novelty and new adventures, they're also sticklers for routine. How's the new rooster getting along with everyone? Is he over-mating/aggressive? Do the hens seem stressed around him? I'd give it a couple more weeks before making a call.

 

[WingItRanch]

Any stress can cause a pause in laying and chickens hate change. At this point, I don't think removing the rooster will do anything. Did the intigration go well or is he causing problems?

I'm willing to bet the problem is the change in the coop or maybe something happened when you were on vacation. If the person watching them neglected them in any way (maybe they went without water for a bit or without food), that could cause stress.

Will all the change and stress, you'll probably just have to wait it out. They'll probably start laying again when they're more comfortable

 

[Krysholland]

Thank you all! And yes, I agree with everyone, too many changes at once and stressed them out.