When do hens typically lay thier eggs and when is the best time to collect them. My nesting boxes are external and this winter I'm concerned about the eggs setting all day in the cold weather.
If the weather is below freezing I'd collect them two or three times a day. Otherwise once a day in the later afternoon to early evening gets the job done for us.
Same here, mine are finished laying by 3-4:00 pm so I collect eggs, feed and water, chore when I get home from work. This way the eggs don't sit in the nest boxes all night and run the risk of damage or freezing.
My hens lay from the time the sun comes up until it sets. Since I am home all day I collect them 4-5 times a day. When the temps are really cold I will check for eggs every hour or so. I hate having hatching eggs ruined by freezing.