1st eggs this week - Questions!!!

[ChickyHawk]

I have 5 RIR, 20 weeks old. At least 2 have started laying this week. First day I got 3 eggs, second 1, third 2, today 1 egg. One of the hens sits in the nest box quite awhile - like half day or so, while all the others are in the yard scratching and stuff. She growls when I come by but is okay if I try to touch her to get the egg. Is this broody behavior? I dont know what normal looks like. I didn't know if I should boot her out, being a newbie and all - her and me
Now shes out there making a load honking noise. How long should they sit in the box to lay?
Do you take the eggs out right away from under them? Should I boot her out the box? I had some wooden eggs in there so they would get the idea where to lay.. should I take those out now?
I don't wanna mess this up.

 

[Sequel]

It sounds pretty normal to me. You're paying attention, you won't mess anything up! I wouldn't boot her out of the nest, she's probably trying to figure out why she feels compelled to be there. Enjoy them and try not to worry too much!

 

[ChickyHawk]

"Because it's never too late to have a happy second childhood with chickens!"

I love this!!! Thanks

 

[Sequel]

"Because it's never too late to have a happy second childhood with chickens!"

I love this!!! Thanks

Haha! Thanks! I find it to be true, chickens have turned out to be so much MORE than what I expected. More worry, I could say work but I don't mind that, more sick visits to the vet, and much more personality than I was expecting. The BBC did a documentary film called The Private Life of Chickens. It's on youtube, it's 60 minutes and it's absolutely stunning! And it's free. You'll love it!