- Oct 2, 2014
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We have two hens, our first chickens. They have free range of our backyard morning through evening until they cooperatively go into their coop at 7 p.m every night, though, I've noticed one of my hens Nina, a Red New Hampshire had been hopping into the tall grass for the past 3 days, mind you they adventure everywhere they think they can fit into, dog house, under the bench, rabbit hutch, garden, anywhere. So I thought this was just her normal roaming behavior. It was not until tonight, at 6 p.m that my mom had noticed she disappeared into it for a seemingly long time, not to mention the cooing sounds she was hearing, she called me out and I decided to take a look, I gently lifted Nina up and revealed she had been hiding 5 eggs!! But I haven't seen her doing this for more than three days? Not to mention we tested the eggs to see if they were no good and they all were very much still fresh. Which could hardly be possible as they've been out there for so long, in high 90 degree California weather, My questions are, Why did she not lay in the coop? Is it possible for her to lay 5 eggs in 3 days when this is her first week laying? How long do they stay fresh if they are left outside? If she is comfortable with laying there should I let her continue to? I'm sorry I am just very inexperienced but I am eager to learn and do what is best for her. Thank you