Free Range Layer Challenges

[Rook]

Does anyone have any experience with hens laying eggs (presumably) off the perches before the lights come on. At 16 hours of light and I'm seeing good quality egg shells in the manure, particularly on the top deck of a Valli/Big Dutchman style aviary. It's definitely costing a few % lay.

 

[Eggs and Things]

When are your nests opening? Minimum 2 hours before lights on. Also, at this time of year light leaking into the shed before lights on can cause the birds to wake up early. If they can't get into the nest or it is difficult to get to the nest (due to other birds roosting) they will lay their eggs all over. First thing is check when the nests are opening, and check they are opening when they are supposed to.

Edit: The nests aren't on a seperate time clock that didn't get moved at the switch to BST? Have seen that before!

 

[Lincsman]

Why are nests closed?.. I only do with my few if there are broody ones around.

 

[Rook]

When are your nests opening? Minimum 2 hours before lights on. Also, at this time of year light leaking into the shed before lights on can cause the birds to wake up early. If they can't get into the nest or it is difficult to get to the nest (due to other birds roosting) they will lay their eggs all over. First thing is check when the nests are opening, and check they are opening when they are supposed to.

Edit: The nests aren't on a seperate time clock that didn't get moved at the switch to BST? Have seen that before!

The nests are open an hour before. Funny it seems to be the opinion of many here that it's enough. But you could be right. 2 hours may be worth a try.

Just to paint to picture for clarity - The nest boxes are on the second tier. Manure belts, metal grid and perches feeders, drinkers etc are on the third and first tiers. Most of the eggs are being lost to the third tier manure belt. So though your suggestion of nest boxes open earlier may be correct, I am not sure if it has any bearing on birds still on the top tier. It would be different if they couldn't get into the nests and were laying outside them. No?

 

[Rook]

Why are nests closed?.. I only do with my few if there are broody ones around.

Supposedly not shutting them means more manure in the boxes over night and dirtier eggs. And broodiness of course could also be an issue as you mentioned.

 

[Bones]

Does anyone have any experience with hens laying eggs (presumably) off the perches before the lights come on. At 16 hours of light and I'm seeing good quality egg shells in the manure, particularly on the top deck of a Valli/Big Dutchman style aviary. It's definitely costing a few % lay.

Close your nest boxes couple of hours before lights go of ,, an hour later when house is in darkness open them back up again,,, If hens are laying before lights come on , light them up an hour earlier , put them to bed an hour earlier