Lifting hatch while egg laying

[cindagram]

I’m curious if it disturbs my girls when I lift up the hatch to check for eggs when they are in there?
I started opening the door to the coop just a peek around to see but I don’t know if this is necessary or not. I will say, when I lift the hatch it squeaks and that might be disturbing. They don’t move but I don’t want to have them stop making their little miracle happen!

 

[112Days]

Depends on how comfortable they are with you! My girls will go right back to laying after I put a hand under them to check for eggs.

 

[jvls1942]

the more you bother them, the more they will get accustomed to you..
you don't have to tippy toe around your chickens.

 

[oregonkat]

Welcome to BYC!

I open my hatch several times a day with the hens sitting and they all look at me as if to say... "Do ya mind??? I'm busy here" and I obligingly close the hatch and tell them I'll be back later! It doesn't seem to prevent egg laying, it's not that stressful to them.

 

[cindagram]

Oh my goodness this website is such a blessing! Thank you all for answering my question. I have only had them for about three weeks and I am definitely tiptoeing around them. I don’t know and understand chickens yet but I am learning so much already.
I haven’t even tried to put my hand under them yet, I just thought that opening the hatch would freak them out. OK, I will be a better chicken mama now !

 

[oregonkat]

Spend lots of time with them. Take them treats, talk to them and sit with them, they learn who you are and what you represent. When the time comes that you have to help one with an ailment they will respond better to you if they are used to you. Good luck and enjoy your hens!

 

[cindagram]

Thank you, I will!!
I just put a couple lawn chairs down there so I can enjoy watching them while I drink my glass of wine at night
Thinking I will go bring my guitar down there and sing to them, I heard they like music.
Thanks again for your advice!

 

[Chickassan]

It use to bother mine but now they just kind of give me that "oh,its you" look and go back to buisness. You haven't lived until someone plops an egg on your hand while you're checking for other eggs.

 

[aart]

It can bother them, until they get used to it.
Tiptoeing at first is good, as they get used to your presence you can be less 'tiptoey'.
A couple of my birds have never gotten used to me opening the back nest access and/or delving under them for eggs.