Curious - what time of day do your hens lay?

[Pug Momma]

Hey members,
I'm curious about when your hens lay during the day. My gals are getting close (becoming exceptionally noisy, "squatting" when I come near them, and rearranging the nesting boxes).
~Also~, do they lay better when nesting boxes are covered on top or open?
~And~ How long do you find the eggs can sit out before we need to pop them in the fridge? I know at the farm where I get them now they sit out for awhile before she washes them and puts them in the cooler.
Thanks, all!

 

[RendonRoo]

Mine just started laying about a week ago and i'm finding them at all times of the day.

I've read that some hens prefer a little privacy. I think it's what they get used to also.

The eggs are layed with a coating that will keep them fresh for several days if not weeks. If you wash the eggs the coating will wash away and need to go in the frige. Good Luck