FOUND my first bantam orp eggs! PIC added.

I have a trio of young bantam orpingtons, 1 splash roo with 2 black hens, and the bigger hen has been singing the "laying" song for well over a week now. So I've been expecting her to lay just any day. Well.....

I went to the coop this morning, and noticed the smaller hen sitting on a nest in the back of their tractor. I just thought, well maybe she's ready to start laying too. I got some layer pellets and began throwing them out as treats. Mr. Splash roo began calling his girls to come and get the goodies. The hen stood up from the nest....

and there were 3 eggs under her!

She sat back down on them, and the bigger hen went over and took one away from her and sat down on it herself!

Just what I need....egg hiding broody hens in the middle of winter! Needless to say, I took the eggs from them. As soon as the eggs were gone, they both resumed their regular chicken behaviors. Guess I've gotta start digging through the bedding looking for eggs now!

 

It definitely was a memorable moment! I didn't think that first time layers would be so sneaky.
And the eggs are pretty good size...I'd say at least the size of a small store bought egg. I'll break them open once they've had time to warm up and check fertility. I know the roo's been doing his job with the bigger hen, but I've never seen him pursue the smaller one.

 

I just went out to bust ice for everyone and I found 2 more eggs! These eggs were warm, so I guess I've got 2 girls that have started laying.

 

I'm getting eggs from these girls every day now...at least one egg, some days I get 2. But they're both desperately wanting to brood. Silly girls! Come spring, I'm gonna give one of them the opportunity to hatch a clutch....can't wait!