My chickens are free range over 10 acres. The have a large hen house with 10 nesting boxes (15 hens). Of course they only use about 3 of those - ever. And of course, they generally find other places on the farm to lay, like in the barn. When I find a nesting place, I usually leave 1 egg in it so they'll go back to it, no matter where it is. That way, at least, I'll know where they are going.
Well, apparently they found a place I didn't know about - way up under the side steps of the house. I counted chickens one night last week - I always count when I close them up - and noticed an EE missing. So I went looking. I finally found her under the steps. Don't know how many hens have been laying there and for how long. So I left her there. Today I caught her out getting food and water so I went to look.Holy crap - 23 eggs! Brown, white, and blue.
Is that too many? I know, of course, not all of them will hatch, but is there more of a danger of busted bad eggs and babies that get squished? Should I take a few from her? Or just let it be? And should I move her one night to the hen house? She's laying right below the dog door where my cat, who is a mighty hunter, goes in and out.
Thanks.
Well, apparently they found a place I didn't know about - way up under the side steps of the house. I counted chickens one night last week - I always count when I close them up - and noticed an EE missing. So I went looking. I finally found her under the steps. Don't know how many hens have been laying there and for how long. So I left her there. Today I caught her out getting food and water so I went to look.Holy crap - 23 eggs! Brown, white, and blue.
Is that too many? I know, of course, not all of them will hatch, but is there more of a danger of busted bad eggs and babies that get squished? Should I take a few from her? Or just let it be? And should I move her one night to the hen house? She's laying right below the dog door where my cat, who is a mighty hunter, goes in and out.

Thanks.