5 month old laying question

[tmyers968]

I have eight 5 month old pullets. The are let out in the morning to free range and all go back to their coop at night and I lock them in. My question is, when they start laying will they lay in their coop? I leave it open all day, but they spend most of the day out and about.

I know they are getting close to laying because their combs have turned red. I read somewhere that that's a sign. Is it instinct to lay in the laying boxes? I sure hope so. I am eagerly waiting for fresh eggs! I have 2 buff orpingtons, 2 Amercauna's, a black australorp, 2 RR's and a black sexlink. Just to give you an idea of what kinds of hens I have. Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have eight 5 month old pullets. The are let out in the morning to free range and all go back to their coop at night and I lock them in. My question is, when they start laying will they lay in their coop? I leave it open all day, but they spend most of the day out and about.

I know they are getting close to laying because their combs have turned red. I read somewhere that that's a sign. Is it instinct to lay in the laying boxes? I sure hope so. I am eagerly waiting for fresh eggs! I have 2 buff orpingtons, 2 Amercauna's, a black australorp, 2 RR's and a black sexlink. Just to give you an idea of what kinds of hens I have. Thanks!

It is instinct to lay in "a" nest (though many are more than happy to drop their eggs any ol' place) - but the nest boxes aren't the only place they can see as such. While free ranging, it is just as likely they will find a spot under a shed, in the bush, behind an object, etc that makes just as nice a nest as those silly boxes in the coop. You can stack the deck in your favor by "baiting" the boxes with golf balls or fake eggs so that they see them and associate the nest boxes as a safe/approved place to lay eggs (hens like to lay where someone else has laid), but even better is to confine them for a bit when they first start laying so they are more likely to start out using the boxes and once they are firmly in the habit of laying there they are more likely to return to the coop during the day when they need to lay that day's egg.

 

[tmyers968]

Thank you!