Chicken burying Their Eggs? Help?

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

I’ve been noting that one or two of my hens have being laying out side the boxes lately. They have two main ones they use but it’s been more stressful with the temperature changing a lot. It is almost 60-65 in the coop at any given time. I find 2-3 eggs a day fully buried under the bedding next to the egg box. Is there any reason for this? I’ve seen one of hens go back and check on her eggs. (Doesn’t matter if their hers or not) Could she be secretly broody? I have broke her before last summer but it’s winter here.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Chickens copy each other laying wise, as seeing an egg somewhere new indicates it is a safe and secure place to lay. You break the habit by placing ceramic/fake eggs in the places you want them to lay (the nest boxes) and collecting the eggs as often as possible, so the nest boxes don’t become so full and undesirable. My ducks used to bury eggs, and I suspect it’s just to protect them, as there are many animals who are deemed “egg snatchers” and will steal any egg they can find. Also, it could just be the chickens’ natural desire to scratch around, accidentally covering the eggs. She could be broody, but unless you see signs of being so, I would doubt that’s the cause for any of this.

 

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

She is paranoid it seems like she gets really nervous when I take the eggs. She’ll watch them in the egg basket she will also peak her head in and see what’s going on. I do have a camera in there and they seems to lay in the morning as when i leave I see none and I get home from school there are 6-9 eggs in one box. I added another box for them to lay so hopefully they will see thet as a safe place. Although only 1 out of my 10 chickens seem to care when I take eggs. I did use ping pong balls to show them when they were little where the eggs went but I’ll have to throw some more in there and see what happens.

 

[aart]

Also, it could just be the chickens’ natural desire to scratch around, accidentally covering the eggs.

Ditto Dat^^^

I did use ping pong balls

Something heavier would be better....golf balls or 'ceramic' fake eggs.
I'd have at least 2 nests for 10 layers.
I keep one fake egg in each nest all the time...7 years now.

it’s winter here

60-65°F....in winter?
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

60-65°F....in winter?
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2537844

It’s 60-65 in the coop they have a light on

 

[rosemarythyme]

It’s 60-65 in the coop they have a light on

Around the clock? Bad idea. Chickens need darkness at night, just as you or I would.

How cold is it that you feel the need to heat the coop to that high of a temperature?

 

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

Around the clock? Bad idea. Chickens need darkness at night, just as you or I would.

How cold is it that you feel the need to heat the coop to that high of a temperature?

It was lower around 30 for some reason the temp shot up recently it gets down to negatives here at night the roosts are in the back and they can face the other way I know they are really sensitive to light but they have adapted to it they tuck their heads or face away from the light I keep the doors open all day but the temperature isnt coming down very much

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you must have heat, have you considered switching to a ceramic bulb that doesn't give off light?

Don't know if it'll affect your egg issue, but lights on can cause some behavioral issues, so wouldn't hurt to try lights out at night.

 

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

If you must have heat, have you considered switching to a ceramic bulb that doesn't give off light?

Don't know if it'll affect your egg issue, but lights on can cause some behavioral issues, so wouldn't hurt to try lights out at night.

I don’t have behavioral issues or fighting there is an occasional get away from me peck but my girls are very socialized to each other and humans they have enough room were they can get away from each other sit under the light if they want or get away I get 6-8 eggs a day or 3-6 when it’s gets to 30 inside I also make sure their water is always clean and full same with the food I think I will go lights out at night and make sure everyone has a spot on a roost

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think I will go lights out at night and make sure everyone has a spot on a roost

Best of luck and hoping it makes a difference, even if just a little.

Also I agree that heavier fake eggs are a little harder to move around, so a couple of those in each nest box should help remind the hens where they should be laying, and also hopefully help with the one that's anxious that you're taking the eggs (as there'll still be "eggs" there when she looks into the nest).