Hens laying outside?

[peepmommy]

So I normally let my chickens out of the coop first thing in the morning. I have 9 hens and usually find 2 eggs right away. I check for eggs in the afternoon and usually find 1-2 more eggs. Now, I would normally think that there is nothing unusual about this, however, this morning I did not let my hens out until closer to 11am. I found 7 eggs. After thinking about this, I can't help but wonder was this a coincidence or are my hens laying elsewhere? Any thoughts on this? They are free range and can go anywhere. We do have lots of hiding places...

 

[wren]

Sounds like they are hiding eggs.

 

[peepmommy]

So, now the question is, should I keep them inside until 11? Is there another way? I really would like to open the coop in the morning, but not if they are going to hide eggs...

 

[devora]

How old are they? I'm raising a new flock (they will be a year old in April) and I keep them in at least until noon. I have some birds who get confused and lay outside if they get out too early.

Next year I'll let them out in the morning after they are well-trained at laying only in the coop.

Even then, I may have to re-train them sometimes.

I hear ya, I'd love to let them out at dawn! My older birds were great at that but this new group is, well, sometimes uncooperative!

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

I think they are hiding there eggs. I have a chicken that gets out every morning. My pen does not of a top because my flock is mostly ducks that can't fly (although it isn't that hard to get her back in in the morning considering she'll follow me anywhere). I have found two hidden nest from her (and I'm sure she's hiding another one I just haven't found it yet).

 

[DaughterOfEve]

It is possible but with 11 layers I expect 8 -11eggs regular each day. Weather decreases or increases that accordingly. I wouldn't suspect hiding unless larger numbers were missing regularly.

 

[peepmommy]

Well, since I have 9 hens and usually 4 eggs a day, this is where my question lies! They are young (7 months). I will try keeping them in and see if I magically see the number increase. I really hate to do it, I guess I feel a little guilty, but I want my eggs!!

 

[confusedbanti]

If you hate to do it, then DON'T ! How would YOU like to be locked up until 11 ?!? uuuhhhhh not so much , right ?

 

[peepmommy]

We bought chickens to have eggs, so if I have to lock them in until 11 to keep them from hiding eggs, than that's what I need to do. I will let them out earlier after I train them. I feel bad, but not so bad that I can't handle it! I feel bad when I put my kids into time out, but I still do it to make them the best people they can be!

 

[devora]

Yup, keep 'em in. I think of it as training.

I'm teaching my birds how to be good citizens in our little world. Eventually you will be able to let them out earlier.