Pullets are around the age of starting to lay - not sure if the set up is right?

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I have 5 20 w/o pullets. One of them in particular has a red/larger comb and wattle now so I'm expecting she could start laying. However, I know it's late in the year, so not sure if I should expect it, but wanted to see if someone could comment on our coop and schedule.

Usually let them out around 7:30 AM from the coop, just into the run. As soon as they leave I've never seen them go back into the coop - they hang out in the run all day unless I let them out in the afternoon to free range for an hour or so. Should I be leaving them in a little longer in the mornings?

 

[LaFleche]

They will start to lay when they are ready. Keeping them cooped up longer than usual might disturb their normal routine which could even delay the first egg until they get used to not get out at the usual time.

Fake eggs in cosy nestboxes will show them where to lay their eggs and you will notice them trying and rummaging the nestboxes for some days or even a week prior to laying their first egg.

 

[neo71665]

They will lay when they lay, they don't have a calendar and marking days down like you are. Just give them open access to the nests and hopefully with a nest egg they will take to it. I wouldn't lock them up unless they refuse to use the nests. First time layers often lay wherever they are standing and don't realize whats happening. I wouldn't lock them up over find one or 2 oddball eggs.

I got one hen that waits till after lunch to lay. The rest I get about 9am. Two of mine are still not laying regular but the rest have been laying for 2 months.