BarbM - we have fox, coyote, vulchers, and who knows what all. I think because we have a Great Pyrannese(sp) in a run in the yard, that is why we do not have any problems with predators. He still is 20 feet from the coop.
We only have the rooster for protection for the girls and when I want to incubate eggs. The rooster has to fertilize the eggs to have baby chicks. No rooster no chicks.
Hens lay an egg just about every 24 hours. That's how long the cycle takes. Weather conditions, breed, health, have alot to do with how often they lay during heat and cold.
The amount of hens to keep depends on how many people are in the household and how many eggs they eat a day. We get between 6-12 eggs a day for three people. We don't eat that many eggs, so we sell the excess.
Eggs can be gathered daily and left on the shelf in the egg basket for up to 10 days provided they are intact. During this time, when enough eggs are collected, they can be incubated at the same time and will hatch usually within 24 hurs of each other. Once eggs are refrigerated, they become sterile and you cannot incubate. Eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 months with no problem if intact. DO not wash egs as you will wash off the protective coating which if washed off will allow bacteria and germs to permeate and ruin the egg. Ok, EGGS 101 done.
As far as racoons- I see one especially in the daytime, I shoot it, hit it with the car, whatever I have to do. We have the highest incidence of rabies in our county in the state due to coons. Had one last year tried to attack the dog then me. Can't shoot in the head if your gonna have it tested for rabies, so shot it 6, yes 6 times before it gave up. I was ready to grab it and twist. I watched every shot go in and exit other side. It was highly rabid. Had to quarantine our dog for 45 days for safety sske even though he had had his rabies shot. Have not seen any this year. Around her we say, Shoot, shovel, shut up.