4 Month Old Laid First Egg?

[DEChickGal]

I was inspecting the run last night as always and I found an egg. I’ve never been so excited and confused at the same time. My babies are only 4 months old and one laid an egg right in a patch of straw. It was small but perfectly shaped. This morning I found 2 without a shell. I can’t figure out who is the laying. Of course they did not use a nesting box either. Is this normal at 4 months old? How can I get them to lay in the boxes? I have switched to layer feed and am getting some oyster shells as we speak.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

Yes that's normal. Mine have done that as well. Put Easter egg s in the nesting boxes.

 

[black_cat]

What breeds do you have? Some begin laying earlier than others. Offer some crushed eggshells or oyster shells to help with the shell less eggs. The oyster shell gives them more calcium. If you want them to start laying in a nesting box, try putting golf balls or fake eggs in them. Make sure that there's plenty of bedding in there for them to lay in.

 

[black_cat]

Here's a good article to help you tell who is laying the eggs.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Zan]

Yep, perfectly normal. They will lay smallish eggs sporadically for the first bit. I have some 4 month old pullets laying, along with my 4 month old duck.

 

[DEChickGal]

Thank you all so much that’s a big help. I will definitely try the fake eggs.