Where are my eggs ?????

[cobra350]

So here is the deal My daughter and I teamed up to build a gorgeous coop, Recently purchased 5 beautiful hens and one rooster to protect my girls. I left them in the coop for two days so they could establish home. On third opened the slide door to the run so they could free range and we could enjoy there activities through out day. They seem to love the coop they are back and forth in and out all day. I noticed my two to three eggs a day had stopped completely and thought why oh why ?? found the answer today they are laying there eggs in random spots outdoors found three today in a pile and several one egg at time in just spots wherever. how can I resolve this other than not letting them free range. Note they are all going back to coop at sunset I close the door and tell them good night (smile).

 

[chicmom]

Hello there!

Well, whenever I have new hens in the coop, I keep them locked up for at least a week. But I do have an attached, fenced in chicken run.

I think the problem is that you may have let them run free too early. What I would do to correct this, is keep them locked up for about half a day, then let them out. That will get them to begin laying in the nest boxes, inside, rather than outside in random places.

Just make sure that your coop isn't too hot for them to stay in there half a day....I wouldn't want them to roast....No pun intended......Well, OK, pun intended!

 

[cobra350]

Very well and thank you for the advise, I actually started this morning with a bit of punishment if you will. By not letting them out first thing. Im thinking I will continue to leave them in there for awhile and praise them when eggs arrive. Oh and yes temp is good windows and air moving . Thanks again stay tuned !!!!

 

[chicmom]

Awesome! Good luck and I bet you'll see those eggs in the coop.

 

[cobra350]

Okay call me dumb if ya want but im still going to ask, What is the difference between chickens and hens ???

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Hens are just female chickens.

 

[cobra350]

Well that what I thought but the fellow above my post says raising 13 chickens and 14 hens . Thought I was missing something LOL