Chickens are laying eggs out of nesting box in the yard.

[cindygree]

We have 4 free range chickens. They eat crumble layers. We were getting 4 eggs a day. We are getting 1 or 2. They are 2 years. We found a pile of 8 eggs in one place. And another pile of 10. This has gone on for 6 to 8 weeks. How do we get them to lay in the nesting box again?

 

[XxMingirlxX]

Try using golf balls or fake eggs in the nesting box

 

[Mrs. K]

Two choice - now you know where they are laying, so you can check that space each day. Or you can tear that space open, removing any nest material, and any privacy.

Then clean out the nests where you want them to lay, add fresh bedding and a couple of balls to each. That works for me. When my egg laying decreases dramatically, I start looking for a hidden nest. Chickens are notional, and will do that once in a while.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Lock em up!!


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 3-4 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. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[lazy gardener]

This one issue, along with the occasional need to pen them up to protect from a habitual predator speaks to the need to have a run, even if your flock predominantly free ranges.