All hens stopped using the nesting box after chicks raised in it

[Penny spender]

I have 3 laying hens (and a couple other younger birds) and all 3 of them have stopped using the nesting boxes (2 black pails laying on their sides in a frame with shavings inside). They used them at first for several months, but ever since I let Speckles hatch her chicks in there (about 12 weeks ago), they refuse to use them and instead just lay eggs on the shavings in the corner, or sneak into a special corner in the horse barn and lay them there. Even if I lock them in, they lay them in the corner in the shavings. Anyone have ideas how I can make them want to use nest boxes again? Do I need to redesign to coop, the boxes?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They got used to laying in the new spots. Chickens are creatures of habit. Make sure there are fake eggs in you nests, than block the current nest spot by fencing it off or putting something over the spot.

It is possible your hens don't feel comfortable in your current nests. What is the height of them? Hens stand up to push the egg out. If they can't comfortably stand they may not want to use them.