How Long hen in Nest Box AFTER Laying

[jlwquilter]

I’d guess this has been discussed before but hard to search on.

How long on average would you say your hens spend in the nest box after they lay their egg? Not broody or sick, just relaxing after dropping the bomb.

I literally saw Crystal lay this morning. Happened to glance at the nest boxes as the egg existed her vent. It’s at least 15 minutes later and she’s still hanging in there. No one is looking to lay right now so it’s not a problem. She’s definitely not broody. So that made me curious....

 

[DellaMyDarling]

I'm guessing it's equivalent to us humans taking a book to the loo.

 

[Chris-n-Kate]

I have 5 hens laying, 3 are in and out quickly and 2 that sit there for over an hour. Most days the one spends the whole morning in the one box, I think to make sure the others use different boxes, but I’m not really sure.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Each hen is different. I have a few who pop in and out so quick it's comical. And then there are the group who hang out and chill after they lay their eggs. I have two who will sit on the next box for around an hour or so before they venture out.

 

[aart]

I call those 'loungers'. Have a few of them.