Is this hen "practicing?"

[PNWChickenMama]

We have 4 hens that turned 6mo old last weekend. One started laying last week (lady on the right), and the past three days one of our EE (on the left) has been going into the nesting boxes at the same time as the layer, or a little before/after. BUT... when she comes out, the box is empty.... Is she just practicing? Normal behavior? I'm so excited to see her eggs, what's she up to? lol Just just hangs out for a good 20-40 minutes, she's not in there all day.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

She is learning......and will soon lay a pretty egg for you! I hope it's green or blue!!!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They usually do take excursions into the boxes prior to starting to lay.

 

[PNWChickenMama]

She is learning......and will soon lay a pretty egg for you! I hope it's green or blue!!!!

Thanks! Good to know. I was hoping that was the case, but was a little worried I should start peeking for a stuck egg, haha!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Thanks! Good to know. I was hoping that was the case, but was a little worried I should start peeking for a stuck egg, haha!

Put a couple of golf balls or fake eggs in the nesting boxes...that will help too!

 

[PNWChickenMama]

Put a couple of golf balls or fake eggs in the nesting boxes...that will help too!

I do have those ceramic eggs in the boxes, and have since they moved to the coop, so hopefully she'll be on her way soon!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I do have those ceramic eggs in the boxes, and have since they moved to the coop, so hopefully she'll be on her way soon!

Waiting is the hardest part!!!!

 

[Melky]

Yep. Good Luck! Sometimes practicing can last weeks so keep watching. She has the right idea and they are using more than one of your nest boxes so cool. No exam needed.

 

[PNWChickenMama]

Yep. Good Luck! Sometimes practicing can last weeks so keep watching. She has the right idea and they are using more than one of your nest boxes so cool. No exam needed.

They all like to sleep together in the nesting box on the left. lol. Also, after she left, the chicken on the right moved over to that box and laid her egg there. So finicky, these ladies! lol.

 

[aart]

They all like to sleep together in the nesting box on the left.

You really should nip that habit in the bud...unless you like to clean nests, or eggs, a lot.

I see you have one of those tiny pre fabs, here's the best pre fab mod I've seen:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134399/help-hens-roosting-in-nest-boxes/10#post_17749535