I will want to do anything but stress my chickens out so I will probably not lock them up. I have a huge run right now because some like to run away but I will let them free range once they start laying so they stay closer to the coop, they like to hide in woods.
I have 15 20 week old Buff Orpington pullets and none are laying yet. About five of them have pretty big and bright red combs and wattles, none are squatting for me yet. When should I start expecting eggs?