Free ranging and laying...

[mcarroll616]

Mine just started laying. I don't let them out until about 5, when I have gotten what I feel like is most of the eggs for the day. As they start getting more comfortable laying in my nesting boxes I will let them out earlier and they generally will come back when they are ready to lay. I still walk around and look a little to make sure they haven't layer anywhere funny, but mine won't free range too far away... My dogs are on an electric fence, and keep the chickens in check. The chickens know where to stay in order to stay away from the dogs! It works wonderfully -)

 

[tblystone]

Sorry to but in but I am new to this and I have 4 (suspecting 1 o be a rooster as he sounds squeaky and squacky in the AM but not a mature crow. It's really quite funny.....sadly to say, he is my favorite one too anyhow, I would say mine are about 3 months-I just put golf balls in next today as I noticed feathers in them (3/4 ha feathers in them and poop), so I assumed they were exploring them. My questions are these:
1. It's HOT in central MI and humid so I have them in shade....I that going to impair thier egg production when of age? I let them out or try to daily for 30-50 min when outside but neighbors have bits dogs and I fear an attach so I keep them under close supervision. They follow me to the deck and loiter anyway and sunbathe!
2. When should I remove the gold balls post a daily tease? After 5pm in the AM or just leave them alone?

Thanks for whomever helps me with this fun new hobby!!