Nest Destruction by Laying Hens

[farmgirlinok]

I just bought 5 Ameraucana Laying hens, 10 months old. They lived their whole life in cages indoors, yes strange situation. I kept them in a small pen with 2 nests for 3 days for acclamation to free ranging. All my hens free range. When I turned 3 of the five, more aggressive hens loose (in coop over night) they are clueless, but that will pass. My problem is they get in the nesting boxes and tear all the hay up even if there are eggs in the nest!!! I have NEVER seen laying hens act like this. Does anyone have any idea what is making them do this? Also, how to break them of it? I have thought that maybe it is because of being in cages, but the 3 aggressive hens were in a pen with 2 nests that they laid eggs in.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some younger hens get vigorous in the nest before laying, kicking out the bedding. They usually grow out of it, you might have to put up with it for a bit.

 

[aart]

Are the 5 the only birds you have?

It maybe a territorial thing they are doing in the coop with other birds they just met?

 

[farmgirlinok]

I have 20 other laying hens. That makes sense, they are aggressive birds. These are my first Ameraucanas.

Thank you!

 

[farmgirlinok]

These girls settled down and are GREAT layers!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's great to hear.