Flock Update: They have been getting FF for a bit over a month now and free ranging for the most part. I was a bit disappointed when the egg count dropped about 10 days ago or so. 'Specially since everyone was talking about how their girls were laying on FF and the 'production' remained up. Well, I had just blown it off to the shortening days and that they were taking a rest. Yesterday I found out why my count had dropped (after brief paranoia of bad things that cause chikens to stop laying)....the dreaded Secret Nest....under the first front porch step....18 eggs all piled up thanks to at least three to four of the girls....just like kids playing outside, they have been too lazy to walk all the way back to the coops to lay. Anyway the eggs all sank in cold water...
SO they have NOT slowed down laying...the sun finally came out and I was able to see how shiney their feathers are and no more foot problems, all seems well for now....and now I know where to look when the egg count seems off again.
you could keep them cooped until later in the morning, when you think the majority have layed their egg, then let them out.
