Chicken once laying in boxes isn't anymore?

[alexis187]

My four hens (who are all still within their first year of egglaying but still have been laying for many months) have previously all been laying in the boxes with no issues - until now. One of them has begun laying eggs around the run again, making it difficult for me to collect her egg. She does not seem to be laying in any dark or cozy spot...the eggs have never appeared more than once in the same place, and are often just plopped in the middle of the ground. I don't know what to do about this?? Also, there may be a new possum family near us, and while my coop/run are predator proof, I still don't want to give them any ideas about coming near the chickens and their eggs. Help!

 

[CluckerFamily]

How many nesting boxes do you have?
Does there seem to be a line of hens waiting to lay their egg?

 

[alexis187]

I have three for the four hens. They all like to use one of them, though if need be they must use others because there have been eggs in the other boxes.

 

[CluckerFamily]

What has worked for me is to remove the fake eggs and put the laid egg that is found in the run into the nesting box for the day.

 

[aart]

I keep one fake egg in each nest, they still have favorites, but most get used daily.
I still on occasion find an egg in the run or on the poop boards.