Free range pullets and egg laying

[lcwmt]

This is helpful, I had the same question about my small flock. They are 23 weeks old, not yet laying. But I allow them to free range an hour or two in am, and then again before dusk and their return to the coop. I've wondered if they have been laying for weeks...the eggs carefully hidden in brush around our property. What is the likelihood that all 4 are doing this?

It has been known to happen that some of the layers will follow the others. At various times up to 4 of my group have been known to share nesting spots. Safety in numbers?