Free Rangers all day - do I need to worry about where they will lay?

[crazikc]

My hens are about 12 - 14 weeks old and have been free ranging for about a month now. They come back to the coop at night and stay close to it in the evening. I am concerned that when they start laying they will not use the laying boxes that I have in there coop. I live on 4400 acres so I would HATE to have to go hunting for their eggs! Mind you, they stick to about 1/2 an acre around their coop but there are lots of bushes etc Is there I anything I should be doing to ensure they lay in the nest boxes in their coop. TIA for your help and suggestions!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Set up your nest boxes in the darker part of the coop, have them bedded, and when your pullets look closer to laying time, keep them in their coop and run until afternoon. Fake eggs, golf balls, or something in the boxes help too. It is a pain to do the daily egg hunt! Mary

 

[crazikc]

Thank you so much Mary! I already have the nest boxes all bedded just need to add fake eggs, in the back of the coop where it is dark and cool! I am so excited to get eggs.. the waiting is so hard! Will keep you posted!