Chickens scared stupid! Stopped laying in nesting boxes.

[lillyrosesmum]

We have 4 layers that lay nearly everyday. A little over a week ago a rat snake was in their coop. We have since fixed the problem (hopefully ) but now everyday has become an egg hunt. I keep "messing up" every place I find one but they always find a new one. Anyway to get them laying in the boxes again?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Put fake ceramic eggs in the nestboxes and than give them time, it was a horrifying experience for them. I'm surprised they are still laying, usually something like that will cause them to halt for a bit, though it usually takes a week before you notice a drop in production.

 

[lillyrosesmum]

It's been a week. One stopped laying but I assume its because she was attacked by a neighbor dog. We heard the commotion and ran outside and saved her without a scratch. she was definitely shaken but OK. I'll try the eggs and see what happens!

 

[irelandstormy]

I had three hens and a rooster. My neighbors dog are one of the hens and since the the two remaining hens have not laid a singe egg. This has been going on for about a month now. Any suggestions?

 

[aart]

Lock em up in the coop for a few days to speed their 'recovery'.