Hey everyone! 👋
Finding eggs everywhere BUT the nesting boxes is a common challenge for new chicken keepers. If your hens are laying eggs in random spots like corners of the coop, under bushes, or even inside feeders, don’t worry—they can be trained!
🐔 Tips for Getting Hens to Lay in Nesting Boxes
✅ 1. Make Nesting Boxes Appealing
- Provide 1 box per 3-4 hens, but expect them to share!
- Fill boxes with soft bedding like pine shavings or straw.
- Place boxes in a quiet, darker area of the coop to encourage privacy.
✅ 2. Use Fake Eggs or Golf Balls 🥚
- Placing a fake egg (or golf ball) in the nesting boxes tricks hens into laying there.
- Hens follow where other hens "lay eggs"—even if it's just a decoy!
✅ 3. Keep Hens Inside Until Mid-Morning
- Most hens lay eggs in the morning—if they’re outside free-ranging too early, they might lay somewhere else.
- Keep them in the coop until at least 10 AM to reinforce box use.
✅ 4. Block Off “Hidden” Laying Spots
- If they lay under bushes, behind feeders, or in random corners, block those areas temporarily so the boxes are their only option.
✅ 5. Collect Eggs Regularly
- Leaving eggs in the nesting box too long can lead to egg-eating behavior.
- Collect at least once or twice a day to keep things clean!
🐔 What If a Hen Still Won’t Use the Boxes?
- If she keeps laying on the ground, try moving her to the nesting box just before laying.
- If one hen lays in the wrong place, others might follow—correct it quickly!
💬 What’s worked best for you when training your hens? Have you had any stubborn girls that refused to use their boxes? Drop your tips and experiences below! 📸👇🐓🥚
