When are they laying?

[slg]

What time do your hens usually lay? Found our first egg yesterday, in the dirt under a bush near our back door -- yea! One RIR (Betty), one New Hampshire Red (Noodle -- as in soup since she is the naughty one) and one Black Australorp (Harriet); all almost 6 months old. They hang out in the backyard and neighbors from about 7 until 3 most days. Not sure if this was the first egg but the first one we found. Think it was from Betty as she has been making the most racket and is doing that funny squat/wing fluffing thing when I come around.

We live in an urban area; small ark-like coop -- golf balls waiting in the nest boxes. Since their quarters are small, I'd like them to have some free range time during the day. Should I lock them up for a few days to make sure Betty gets the idea to lay in the box or just let them out later in the day? Assume they will lay in the morning, but what's a good rule of thumb for timing?

Thanks!

 

[bockbock2008]

I would lock them up for a couple days so they learn where they are supposed to be laying. Otherwise you will have eggs scattered everywhere and won't know when they were laid. Some of mine lay before 8am and others lay as late as 2 or3pm.

 

[BarredBuff]

I would lock them up also, mine lay between 8 and 3.

 

[quiltnchik]

Chickens will lay at different times each day. It takes them approximately 25-26 hours to produce an egg, and they may not lay every day. You do need to lock them up for a few days and put golf balls in the nest box to let them know where they're supposed to lay. Otherwise, you'll end up doing an egg hunt every day.

Good luck!

 

[stormylady]

I have 34 hens and collect eggs 3 or 4 times a day and the last check is at bedtime for them so they lay all day til around 5 or 6 depending on when it starts to get dark. Individual hens lay at a particular time of the day though at least mine do. like blossom always lays before 7 am with a few of the others and stormy always lays just before bed and so on it sure makes it easier to tell who is laying and who took the day off. Sandy