Chickens leaving eggs out of nest boxes

[TurkeyJohn]

Hey All,

Great news on one side, the girls have been laying eggs for a while and we couldn't be happier.

Only issue we're seeing now is that someone is leaving the eggs in the run or inthe coop, but out of the nest boxes. Occasionally, we're seeing them be stomped on or cracked open as a result.

While it's great to see everyone (3) laying eggs everyday consistently, we're a little baffled at the new habit that's surfaced.

Anyone have any advice or what we can do to help correct the offending bird, whomever it may be?

Thanks,

TurkeyJohn

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've had birds that laid for years do that occasionally. Just make sure the nest boxes are clean and attractive with the right amount of seclusion and some fake eggs or golf balls and they'll get with the program.

 

[beckah1]

One of mine lays them outside of the nesting boxes even with bedding, fake eggs, other eggs, etc.
Sometimes you just have a hen who dances to the tune of a different drummer.

I have found the golf balls worked for my other ladies when they "got confused".

 

[ibreathe4u]

No matter what I do, my girls just don't want to lay in the box. They lay just on the other side of the box. When they're feeling obnoxious, they lay at the far end of the coop so I get to lean into the coop to get them out. They couldn't care less about fake eggs and golf balls. The space is clean and private, but they just don't care. No matter where they lay, they all conspire together to do it. Spoiled rotten brats (but I love them regardless).

 

[TurkeyJohn]

Thanks for the input,

Glad though, to see we're not alone,

Wouldn't you know, since I started this thread, they've sorted things out the last 2 days, 1 egg in each nest box, not damaged either,

But.............for how long??

TurkeyJohn