hens laying in their yard

[wakely11]

We have some light brahma and salmon faverolle hens that are only 4-5 months old but are starting to lay. Problem is, they lay eggs in their chicken yard rather than their nests. Any ideas?

 

[Cyprus]

Try placing a ceramic egg or two in their nest boxes, or leave some of their eggs in the boxes for a few days.
This will show them where they are supposed to lay.

If that doesn't work after a week or so, you could try locking them in nest boxes until mid morning for a few days in a row. That will force them to lay in the boxes and they should get the idea.

I've had the most success with the former.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

This is very common with new layers. Placing "bait" in the nests (faje eggs, golf balls etc) helps show them where you want the eggs. Have you seen them in the nests at all checking them out? Sometimes our idea of what a good nest site should look like and that of the bird are different. Photos of the nesting area will allow us to spot any potential unintented deterrents that may cause reluctance in your birds.