Nesting box time

[Ponte]

Today I noticed that my 9 month old buff Orpington is staying in her nesting box 2-3 hours while laying an egg. How long do most pullets need in the nesting box and should I get her out after a certain amount of time ? I have two more Pullets which should be laying soon, two more which should begin in March and only have two nesting boxes so am concerned that this one will keep the others from using the box.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

2 nesting boxes should be enough for the three.
They tend to have a ‘favourite nest box’ and they’ll all try to lay there.
If there’s a hen in the nesting box then the others will wait till she’s finished or they might all try and squash in together if the nest box is big enough.

 

[Ponte]

Ok but is 2-3 hours normal ?

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Ok but is 2-3 hours normal ?

yes! some just like to take their time

 

[aart]

Ok but is 2-3 hours normal ?

Sometimes....there are 'loungers'.
Does she do this every time she lays?
Are you watching closely enough that the 2-3 hours is accurate?
How long since she started laying?

As long as she is acting otherwise normal and healthy...
....eating/drinking/pooping/moving around OK, I'd not worry too much.

 

[Ponte]

Sometimes....there are 'loungers'.
Does she do this every time she lays?
Are you watching closely enough that the 2-3 hours is accurate?
How long since she started laying?

As long as she is acting otherwise normal and healthy...
....eating/drinking/pooping/moving around OK, I'd not worry too much.

Her first egg was on September 29,
She usually takes a while but never over an hour. Noticed this issue a few days ago.
Otherwise she seems normal

 

[kiwi-chick]

She might be turning broody, keep an eye on her and if she starts taking longer - do your research.

 

[Ponte]

Just went to shut the aviary door, found her on the roosting bar and no egg in the nesting box.
Should I be concerned that she spend so long in the nesting box and did not lay. She lays six eggs per week.

 

[Criticalicious]

Sometimes they like to practice or seem to think the egg is coming, when it isn't.

 

[Chickassan]

Don't be too worried even though she is a new and regular layer the day/night cycle still effects her which leads to what can only be described as "butt confusion".
She feels like she should lay even though the egg isn't fully ready so she'll sit and try for hours.
It also manifests in a way where the hen lays often spontanously not in a nest,sometimes overnight even but still spending hours after the surprise egg trying to lay again even though it isn't possible.