how long does it take a hen to lay

[jwchicklady]

from start to finish, how long does it take a hen to lay an egg? We found a black orpington and she will not lay her egg when I am watching--she fusses all around--I sit and watch, but she won't lay until I leave. This is my first year for chickens and my chicks aren't laying yet, so I am curious about this orpington.

 

[azelgin]

I've had them sit in the nest for 15 minutes and be done. Others, spend a couple of hours and all the other hens get impatient waiting. I guess it all depends on the hen.

 

[sillybirds]

Like azelgin said, minutes to hours. I have an Australorp that once layed in about a minute while I watched. Others will sometimes sit in the nest box for a couple hours before laying!

 

[jwchicklady]

ok, that helps--she takes a couple of hours before she ends up laying. this is all new to me. thanks for the answers.