Should I keep the hens penned?

[Remudamom]

I have 11 hens, and I'm only getting about four eggs a day. Normally I let them out to free range all day, and then I have to hunt around for eggs. Sometimes they will lay in the coop, but not often.

Should I just keep them in there until they get used to laying there? How long might this take? I know they're happier outside, but I need those eggs. They do not (and will not) have an enclosed run.

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

I would do so.

I think if you kept them penned for a couple of weeks it ought to get the point across - or maybe if they lay in the morning half of the day you could let them out in the afternoon (mine lay at all odd hours, but most of them lay their eggs before 1 PM) .

meri

 

[Remudamom]

Thanks. I just went up and let all the roos out and the hens are settling down to work!