Multiple hens in nest boxes

[bg62]

I have a flock of 13 layers, I have 6 nest boxes, every once in awhile when I go out to check the boxes I will find 2 or sometimes three hens in a box. Is there some reason for this? From what I read you can allow for up to 1 nest box per 4 hens, my ratio is 3:1. The other odd thing is that 2 or three boxes may be empty when they do this. Do they just have favorite boxes or what? The empty boxes are even on different levels. I worry because on extremely warm Kansas days, like today, I think this would stress them out. I gently pull the extra hens out and they will go right back in, like they are trying for a Guinness book of world records or something.

BG

 

[junebuggena]

It is very normal and common for them to all choose the same favorite nest box. They just don't always like waiting for their turn.

 

[GitaBooks]

My hens do the same thing!

Yes, they certainly do have favorite nest boxes. I have had two hens on a nest and even lines of three hens waiting for their turn for a favorite nest. Chickens will actually hold eggs in until they can get to their nest, when they run to it joyfully.

Chickens can over heat, but it shouldn't be a problem for just a few minutes of laying. You could do some tricks to get them to use the other boxes though. Put extra bedding in them and put a fake egg in. You can use a real egg and mark it (I call these bait eggs) and the other hens will think it is a really good nest box that other chickens laid in.

Good luck!

 

[dheltzel]

I think it's just part of their socializing - sort of like how people (women mostly) often visit the public restrooms in groups. It happens all the time with my layers, it can't be just a favorite nest box because the favored nest changes from day to day, but the eggs are nearly always all in the "nest of the day".

 

[aart]

Funny.... I have never, in about 20 months now, seen more than one hen in a nest at a time.

 

[azygous]

My hens have six nest boxes but all want mainly one of them. There's often a line formed for the one nest with everyone watching while the hen occupying it lays her egg. Who would believe it but for picture proof?