gathering eggs from freerangers

[Be a chicken]

My chickens have nesting boxes but we have been letting them wander around during the day. Do hens lay all throughout the day? Or is there a more likely time? Am i setting myself up for crashing through the bushes looking for eggs?

 

[sunflour]

They can lay throughout the day. The cycle starts early am and later each day and then restarts early. Mine are confined, so have had the benefit of knowing who lays when and where. Folks who free range seem to recommend confining the pullets until they get used to laying in the nests before allowing free ranging. If they get used to locating their own nests, you will be having egg hunts.

 

[AV8RChick]

Just my experience - My hens know where their nest boxes are but either production goes down or they find other places to lay when I let them free range. I still get eggs when they are out - but just not in the quantity I do when they are contained all day in their run.

 

[Be a chicken]

Thanks, you have both confirmed my suspicions. Maybe i have to reel them in a bit.