Nesting boxes vs. Laying in the run

[laurakathleen43]

My hens are coming up on laying age soon (16 weeks) I have 3 RIRs, 2 Black Sex Links, and 2 White Giants. I am wondering if my first layer may prefer to lay out-and-about in their run? I have a huge enclosed area including many trees, bushes, leaf piles, and natural obstacles for them to play in. I have been just browsing by the most "popular" hang-outs and have seen little nesty areas from where they rest in the shade. Is it likely that they will try to lay out there as opposed to thier nesting boxes in the coop? Any experience with this? Should I put some Dummy eggs in their boxes? ...I Dont wanna miss my first egg!
THANKS!!

 

[Coopnana]

I have one BR, one RIR, 2 Light Brahmas, and 2 GLWD...they are also at this same age so I too am curious about this. I've blocked the nesting boxes until it's closer...but now wondering if I should get them opened up. The BR and RIR appear to be maturing quicker so am guessing they will be the first to lay an egg.

 

[teach1rusl]

Definitely lace your nesting boxes with dummy eggs - hard boiled eggs would do in a pinch. If your birds are fairly easy to handle, set them up inside the nests, fluff the bedding up, make over the nest in general (roosters do this - at least the good ones). Hopefully you've captured their interest, and as they become closer to egg laying, you should see them "playing house" inside the nest boxes. Leave the dummy eggs in there for a few weeks AFTER they begin laying. A nest box with eggs in it is viewed as a safe, desirable place to lay eggs.

Your JGs and Brahmas have a ways to go before they lay, but your sexlinks are probably pretty close, and your wyandottes as well...