Is that it?

[Ace888]

We have a 12 pullets (4-EE, 3-RIR, 2-Rocks, 1-BO, 1-Australorp & 1-Red Star) and got our first (small green) egg at exactly 18 weeks. She missed the nesting box (floor level) but it was in the coop on a shelf. We were very excited but it has been three days and no more eggs. I wonder if she (and perhaps others) are dropping them around our yard, as they free range for at least six hours a day. If she/they are doing that, then it is also possible that our three free ranging dogs are finding and consuming them. The backyard is pretty big with a lot of trees & shrubs, so it is possible that we might not see any eggs unless they were out in the open.

Is it typical to not produce another egg, three days after the first?
Is it likely that they are laying in the yard even though the first was deposited in the coop?
Is there something I should be doing to discourage laying eggs in the yard if that does become a problem?

Thanks in advance

 

[CascadiaRiver]

Depending on the breed hens can lay once a week or every day, and I have a hen who lays around the yard when the next boxes are full and another who just lays in the yard. and if you can find the eggs, in my case I have just noticed they're layed in the same spot every time so its not that big of a deal but if you find a makeshift next, maybe destroy it?

 

[Toddrick]

I would keep them locked in the coop/run for a few days to get them used to using those facilities. Plus, that way they won't be able to hide the eggs from you. I've not had to do this, but some people advise putting golf balls in the nest boxes to get them to lay there.