Adding other next boxes

[Hawgon]

I have a run and coop arrangement with 7 hens but I was wondering if it possible to add "extra" secure covered outdoor nest boxes in the run area? This would be to maybe relieve some stress on all of them trying to get into the coop to do it or will they all just pick out the same next box or 2 again and try to all jam into it? Thanks for the info. p.s. we have 1 hen that lays her eggs in our squash plant, can I teach her to use the nest box. All of them just started laying in the last week. So far we have 5 out of 7 laying as of today. I and the grandkids are very happy and excited.

 

[ChicKat]

Congratulations on the eggs.....

My bunch ignored some nice-shiny new nest boxes I hung on the outside of the wire. Pictures are in my blog---they jumped in and tried them out, but continued to lay in the old familiar place...and it is congested. I made the area darker with a canvas covering --but no success there. Yesterday I took one of the new ones down. (for future use, I'm sure in an expanded chicken-world).

You could "lock them up" - in your coop and run.until they have gotten in the habit of using the nesting box instead of the squash plant. (although I picture that as a very cool nest area in a squash plant)... IF you have fake eggs, golf balls or something similar, it gives the chickens a strong cue of where a good place to place eggs is located.

Best of luck!

 

[terryg]

You could give each of your hens a nest box, perfectly sited, and they would still all want to cram in one. And, of course, there will be the hen on the outside that can't fit who will be clucking loudly telling everyone to get out. For 7 hens I'd have 3 nest boxes. Hens are fussy, and look at the boxes from the hen's perspective. If one is in too sunny a place, they won't use it (even with 3 in a row, one can be too bright). You can try putting dummy eggs in the nesting boxes that they don't use. The only time to worry about the crowding is if one of the hens smashes the eggs in her jostling. Or, if the temps are so hot they the hen being squished gets heat stroke. Mostly, though, ignore it.

As far as nesting boxes outside - I wouldn't encourage it. If you do get a broody hen she won't want to come in, and I do believe in locking everyone up at night (after one nighttime raccoon raid, you will, too.) I have more about broody hens here: http://hencam.com/faq/the-broody-hen/