Advice as pullets approach laying age

[notherearenttoomany]

I’ve had two laying hens for several years and added a variety 16 chicks this spring—15 pullets, one cockerel. The flock of 18 free ranges together all day and have been for some time. The layers return to the coop to lay, and all come and go for food/water throughout the day.

At 15 weeks, my barred rocks and a few of the others are getting fairly red waddles and combs. I’ve got some Southern Ramblers and I’ve seen on BYC that others of the same age are starting to get eggs. I’m assuming ive got a number of pullets that could start laying soon. This is my first time raising chicks so I’ve got a few questions on how to make sure they lay in the boxes. For four years, all of the hens have used the boxes and I want to ensure the new babies do the same, if possible

My set up is a 6x10 house with an 8x10 attached run. We usually open the door in the morning to let them all out to roam our property (over an acre) for the day, and then put them up at night. The laying boxes are in the enclosed portion. So here are my questions:

1. What signs can I look for that one has reached laying?

2. Do I need to do anything to “teach” the pullets to lay in the boxes? Our two mature layers use the boxes—is that enough for the pullets to get the hint?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Having fake eggs in the nests can help but they'll likely learn where to lay from observing the hens.
Check the space between the pointy pelvic bones so you will know when laying is imminent.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/
You could leave the pen door closed for a couple hours before letting them free range so they will be close to the coop when they get the urge and not far away from the coop.

 

[eaking]

This is fantastic. My older girls are still a few weeks away but good to know!