Laying from the Roost

[Shadyfarms]

Some of my chickens lay eggs before the sun is even up. They have access to the nests though at all times. They seem to find it okay in the dark as I have no lighting in there. Generally I have 4 that lay about 1.5 hours before the sun is up.

 

[theoldchick]

Check the coop at night to see where your hens are sitting. One option is to set up what I call a hammock catcher: a miniature of what humans use-to catch the eggs. Word of caution, though, sometimes the hammock catches a chicken and lots of poop. Or if you are handy with tools design a roll-away roost-a structure that will catch the eggs and deposit them away from the hen but keeps the egg off the floor. Once you do, patent your design, and get rich! I want dibs on the first one.

 

[Stayc]

She is probably just new to the laying. I had my first layer do this but the next day she came in the house and started laying in the bag of pine shavings. I had to go out of town for 10 days and my SO didn't let her in early enough so she started laying in the nest after that. Best of luck with your ladies

 

[jthornton]

Check the coop at night to see where your hens are sitting. One option is to set up what I call a hammock catcher: a miniature of what humans use-to catch the eggs. Word of caution, though, sometimes the hammock catches a chicken and lots of poop. Or if you are handy with tools design a roll-away roost-a structure that will catch the eggs and deposit them away from the hen but keeps the egg off the floor. Once you do, patent your design, and get rich! I want dibs on the first one.

I like the way you think! And yes I'm handy with tools, electron containing devices, heavy equipment, machining, cooking, even concrete but don't tell anyone I know how to lay concrete because I'll deny it lol.

Yes it's in the same spot every morning but they all look alike to me... and they all 10 try to fit on 48" of roost at bed time but one ends up not making it, I need to out think them on that one with 7' of roost going unused.

JT

 

[aart]

and they all 10 try to fit on 48" of roost at bed time but one ends up not making it, I need to out think them on that one with 7' of roost going unused.

I have about the same thing....SMH.

 

[Clarity1210]

One of mine dropped eggs from the roost in the first few weeks of laying. Incidentally the eggs were also soft shelled. Seemed to even out within the month.

 

[jthornton]

This morning I moved the lights on and door open up 15 more minutes so this morning it opened at 3:52 and as soon as the door was open one was out of the roost and into the roll out nest box. It usually takes them a few minutes to wake up and wander out to the run but this one made a bee line for the nest box. And a quick check of the roost box and no egg, just lots of poop.

JT