Laying in the same box?

[Eggie and Me]

We just started receiving eggs on Monday, Labor Day. How appropriate.

My question is, this morning when I went to let the girls out there were 2 in the same nesting box along with 2 eggs. Is this going to be a problem in the future. 2 birds laying in the same nest? Or will they figure it out on their own??? We've also received 1 egg in the afternoon also in that same nesting box. What should I do if anything? Thank you as always for all your support.

 

[Judy]

If they are laying and not sleeping in a nest box, you and your chickens are doing just fine. Let them work it out.

 

[meriruka]

No matter how many nest boxes you offer, they'll all want the same one and either fuss loudly when someone else is in there when they want to lay or they will play the equivalent of "how many people can you stuff in a phone booth". Hens.

 

[rachiegirl]

They are doing fine. Some of the time they all decide to use the same box even if they have 6 to choose from! It isn't a problem at all. I am up to getting 4 eggs a day(6 left to start!) and today 3 were in one box, and 1 was in another. Silly chickens...

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. What you are seeing is perfectly normal behavior. Congratulations on the eggs.

 

[rschunk]

Yep, just let them do their thing....I had 5 eggs in one box late this morning and 2 in another. That's from 8 hens mind you!!! Man, I hate to think what my cholesterol will be next time I get it checked....egg and sausage burritos, scrambled, french toast, give some to the kids and I still have eggs!!!!

 

[fordmommy]

Well-I believe the standard is 1 box for every 4 chickens. But chickens don't know that. They can't read.....

 

[gritsar]

The maximum number of hens I've had in one box at the same time is three. Two hens with their bottoms actually touching the hay, one sitting on top of the other two.

Three perfect eggs, unbroken.
The maximum number of eggs I've found in one box in a day is thirteen. None broken. There must have been something magical about that box that day.