change nesting site

[sissybug9491]

I have 5 free range chickens who have just started laying. At first the ones who were laying almost everyday used the nesting boxes but as the others started laying they have established a nest under the cover of our shed. Some days one or more use the nesting boxes but the rest use the shed. Does anyone have any ideas how I can get everyone to use the nesting boxes? I lost several eggs to some animal and don't want to lose anymore. I try to check shed everyday but I have to be out of town some and need help.

 

[junebuggena]

Leaving some dummy eggs in the nest boxes and keeping them confined to the coop/run area for a week or two should help solve the problem. A young flock without older hens to show them what to do and where to lay need to be trained to use the nest boxes. And it can take several weeks for them all to get into the habit of using the boxes.

 

[sissybug9491]

Thanks for the info. I have kept them in later in the day before I let them out and at least yesterday I got 5 eggs in the boxes. Today it was 4 and one outside. I will try the fake eggs and look forward to many 5 egg days.
Thanks again,
sissybug

 

[aart]

You might want to keep them totally confined, at least until 4-5pm, for a week or so.
They will lay later and later each day until reset, and because they are new layers it can take up to a month before they are 'regular'.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for 2-3 days can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it.


Depending on breed getting 5 in one day from 5 birds may not be frequent.
This might interest you..... Egg Formation Video