Ok...since I'm getting 5+ eggs a day from my 24 girls I had some questions about collecting the eggs. My girls usually make a serious racket after laying an egg...then they sit on the nest presumably to rest after such a feat! Should I remove the egg or allow them to sit on it? I'm noticing they do leave the nest after an hour or so. Should I take the egg straight away or should I allow them to marvel in their new found skill? I'd assume taking it away ASAP to train them into thinking the eggs are FOR me (Alpha MOMMY) and not for babies! I also, started removing them from the nest and taking the egg as soon as I've discovered them on an egg. I figured they'd get used to me sticking my hand under them if I did it from the beginning.
You can reach under them and take them if you wish, they'll get used to it. If one starts putting up a fuss she is probably going broody. I'm usually not standing there waiting for eggs to come out... I just collect all eggs in the evening when they are running around the yard.
I was wondering the same thing. I feel guilty taking it away while the hen is still in the nest. But, like you said, I don't want them to start thinking about actually sitting on them.
I check the boxes several times a day, if there's an egg, I grab it when I see it. I went in to check a few days ago as one gal had been on the nest for awhile. She had left the nest, but our EE cockeral was laying in it looking proudly at me. I was like, Sorry buddy, I know better! Dawn