Egg laying "schedule"?

[Wolfstorm82]

Hey there! My three barred rock hens are now of egg laying age but have not laid yet. Every morning, I get up and let them out. They want to be let out. I take the younger chicks and put them in the run while the adults graze the yard. I am not seeing indications that they are getting ready to lay. Am I letting them out too early? Do I need to keep them in three coop longer? Should I only let them out in the evenings before dark? I'm new to this so any help would be appreciated. Also, I live in Florida so keeping them in later would mean they would get awfully warm.

 

[CascadiaRiver]

We let our birds out in the morning and put them up at night, they lay whenever they want to (and some lay where ever they want too!) I don't think their outside playtime would really effect their laying habits, some birds lay early and some lay late. I've had birds lay the next day after they egg squat and others take weeks after the first squat XD

 

[Wolfstorm82]

What does "the squat" look like?

 

[CascadiaRiver]

It can vary, some of mine dance, some go flat, but here are a few pictures of a basic squat <3

1. http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/6/63/350x700px-LL-63c46f43_20131203_111901.jpeg
2. https://chickendiary.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/dscn0571-e1316192304615.jpg
3. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6st-50_vx...AjLQ/qT4M_gPMr5g/s1600/Submissive+squat+3.JPG

 

[Wolfstorm82]

All three of mine have been squatting low, spreading their shoulders, and stomping their feet. When you see it...you'll know. They started this about two weeks ago and lo and behold I got my first egg at 6:31 this morning!