New layers. Question

[mike48851]

so, as of yesterday, 3 of my 4 hens have started laying. They have all laid in the nest boxes (I have two nest boxes in the coop) where I have put a couple golf balls.

Here’s my question, I live alone, so I keep them confined to the coop and run during the weekdays while I’m at work. Well, now we’re at Saturday and I’m home all day....should I keep them confined to the coop and run u til they lay this morning, or let them free? Will they come lay in the boxes even if I free them? Or is there really no telling? I’ve got some thick lines of pines that they like when they’re ranging and if they are to lay an egg in there I will probably never know or find it

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[sourland]

I'd be tempted to allow them to free range, and start restrictions if they stop laying in the coop.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Mine usually go back in the coop to lay but once in a blue moon I get one outside the coop. If you want to be certain you can keep them in until they do. Id say roll the dice and let them out because they probably dont all lay at the same time. I have 8 and I usually let them out at noon daily. By noon most of them have layed. Its up to you but the easter egg hunt can be fun!

 

[mike48851]

Ok, I do have a camera in the coop lol. Looks like one of my rir laid for the first time about 8:30am yesterday. Leghorn at 9:30 and other rir (who was first one to lay an egg last Saturday) usually lays about 10:30-11am. Just waiting on the isa brown to lay. Ok, I’m going to take my chances and let them free like they deserve

Thanks for the opinions!!

 

[DobieLover]

When my pullets first started laying, I'd wait until around 11:00 to let them out. They always returned to the boxes no matter where they had wandered off to. I'd do that until they get into a good routine. Then you can let them out on the weekends whenever you want.

 

[mike48851]

When my pullets first started laying, I'd wait until around 11:00 to let them out. They always returned to the boxes no matter where they had wandered off to. I'd do that until they get into a good routine. Then you can let them out on the weekends whenever you want.

Ended up with one egg at 11 so I just set them free. About 1 o clock one of my reds came back and got in the box and laid one. Only two today. From the one Rhode Island and from the leghorn. Isa brown is the only one to not lay, but she has really been checking out the nest boxes...sooon

Thank you

 

[Bigbluefrog]

When my pullets first started laying, I'd wait until around 11:00 to let them out. They always returned to the boxes no matter where they had wandered off to. I'd do that until they get into a good routine. Then you can let them out on the weekends whenever you want.

That works! I been keeping them locked in all day! I was thinking they are getting restless.
I like this option- especially since it has been nice outside for winter