egglaying and free ranging.

[chicksrocka]

My chickens are 16 weeks old, so should be laying in several weeks. I let them out in the yard every day, and was thinking I'd have to keep them in the coop before they start laying, so they learn to use the nest boxes. how long after they start laying should I keep them in there, and when should i start keeping them in there? once I let them out when all are laying in the nest boxes, will this habit stick? thanks!

 

[gritsar]

Mine started laying during a time they were on lockdown in the coop anyhow. We had just moved them to their permanent coop and they needed lockdown to get used to it being home.
The girls have all layed consistently in the nesboxes since then.
I'd say about a week. If they start laying elsewhere, go thru another week of lockdown.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I had this same dilema and got alot of great advice.... Bottom line is that I let them out a little later now that they are laying - around 1 or 2. Most are done by then but if 1 girl still needs to lay, she does indeed come back to the coop....

 

[Beekissed]

The nests will have to be reinforced from time to time. Also eliminating likely nesting areas outside the coop also. In some places this is nearly impossible!

If you are home, the above suggestion of keeping them cooped until later in the day is a good one.

 

[Judy]

I never did this. I let my freeranging flock out around 7-8 AM every day. Food and water are in the coop, and they have always returned to the coop to lay. I was not on BYC when I started that flock so didn't know any better!