got my first half-dozen eggs this morning

[tmikem]

I've been letting my girls free range during the day and was quite surprised this morning when I went to get the dog poop bucket!
Molly [Hy-Line Brown] was buried in the bushes along fence squawking away. I wasn't sure if she had something wrong with her until I began to lift her up and saw the pile of eggs she was on top of. I have a feeling they are all hers. She is the oldest, she is latest addition to flock and is probably around 4+ months old (according to seller). So, I left her alone and went to the coop and unblocked the nesting boxes.
This is all brand new to me as well as Molly. But unlike Molly I get to learn from you all.
Thank you.

 

[Katanahamon]

I've been letting my girls free range during the day and was quite surprised this morning when I went to get the dog poop bucket!
Molly [Hy-Line Brown] was buried in the bushes along fence squawking away. I wasn't sure if she had something wrong with her until I began to lift her up and saw the pile of eggs she was on top of. I have a feeling they are all hers. She is the oldest, she is latest addition to flock and is probably around 4+ months old (according to seller). So, I left her alone and went to the coop and unblocked the nesting boxes.
This is all brand new to me as well as Molly. But unlike Molly I get to learn from you all.
Thank you.View attachment 2797214

Congrats! Waiting on my first…

 

[rosemarythyme]

Don't be surprised if she heads there again to lay. Hope you picked up all those eggs, to discourage her from continuing to lay there.

 

[tmikem]

yes, picked up eggs. I did bring some of the ground debris and put it in one of the newly unblocked nesting boxes. Then I blocked area along fence line. Plus now I know they (at least one girl) are now laying or about to start and I need to pay closer attention while I let them free range.

 

[aart]

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop/run for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[tmikem]

Leaving them in run/coop is no problem. Are store bought eggs OK for "showing them where to lay?"

 

[WhySayWhat]

Leaving them in run/coop is no problem. Are store bought eggs OK for "showing them where to lay?"

They will peck at them and putting a real egg in may lead to egg eating. Easter Eggs weighted with some rock or dirt inside are a great subsitiute though! The hens don't care if the fake egg is neon pink.

 

[tmikem]

thanks!

 

[JDonn127]

I used golf balls…. Worked like a charm

 

[cherrynberry]

I used golf balls…. Worked like a charm

Agreed. Exciting!