New to Birds

[InsaneDucks]

Hello- I was hoping for some advice (and hopfully some reassurance) please.
I'm sure you get these sorts of questions all the time....

I'm new to chickens/ ducks and have recently (2 weeks ago) bought 2 warren hens and 2 cherry valley ducks. The chickens were apparently laying before we got them and the ducks are point of lay but we have yet to see a single egg! Is this normal?
The chickens seem happy enough, they are chilled, eat lots of food and peck around during the day and go inside to roost and nesting boxes every night. The ducks are a little bit mental- they run away whenever I go in the pen, and although there's evidence they come out of the coop (the food is eaten and their swimming water is dirty) I have yet to see them roam- they're like moody teenagers staying in their room all day!
I'm feeding them a mix of layers pellets and corn.
Do you think it's just the move thats upsetting them? What are people's experiences of new birds?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lordcluck]

Hi, yes, it sounds like a settling in issue. I'm sure both Ducks and Hens will provide you with eggs before long.

 

[chrismahon]

Normally takes a couple of weeks before they are settled enough to lay again InsaneDucks.

 

[Marigold]

Hi Insaneducks, and a big welcome to the forum. We shall be interested to hear how you get on with your new birds.

I expect it's the same for ducks, but certainly with chickens, the term 'point of lay' means 'might probably start to lay any time in the next few weeks.' In chickens, pullets are often sold as POL at 16 weeks when they actually have quite a lot of growing to do before starting to lay, usually at around 22-28 weeks old. It's good to get them young as it gives them time to settle in before starting to lay. If they have just started their first lay, this might be interrupted by the stress of a move to a new home.

 

[Chuck]

The hens may well have been in lay but a move can cuase a temporary halt. They need to get used to you, new routine, new premises and possibly new feed as well. If they are not in lay yet, I'd take that as a good sign as I like mine to be in situ and settled before starting to lay.
From your description I would say ditto the ducks too. POL is a variable age as Marigold says, it's just meant to be an indication.

 

[InsaneDucks]

EGGS!!!! SO excited. we now have 3 little chicken eggs! Fingers crossed more to come...

Now hopefully the chickens will encourage the ducks to start laying!

 

[Marigold]

Well, there you are, it was worth the wait! Good luck with the ducks , let us know when they also oblige.

 

[Chuck]

Now we can all relax !! You must be doing them OK, well done 08