Question about first eggs

[SanctusPullus]

Four of my chickens are about thirteen weeks and am starting to get excited at adding some new eggs to the daily collection basket in the near future. Will first-time layers automatically go to the nesting boxes (that they've seen the older chickens do) or do the eggs come upon them as a surprise wherever they happen to be?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Both, or either. Sometimes a pullet starts out in control of the situation and looks for a nest to lay her first egg. Some get surprised and seem to just drop the egg wherever they are, either on the roost or just walking around on the floor. Don't be too upset about that since most seem to catch on fairly quickly.

Most of the time, when they have enough control to look for a nest, they will join where others are laying. But sometimes they find their own nest, or maybe start to lay where another just happened to drop her egg. I suggest leaving fake eggs in the nests to help show them where to lay. I really do believe that helps. And try to collect those eggs that are accidently dropped, especially the ones under the roosts in the mornings, so the others don't consider that a good nest. But don't stress about it. It usually works out real well.

Good luck!

 

[SanctusPullus]

Thank you, Ridgerunner!