Do I need a nest box in the run/tractor?

[Chicky Jean]

Sorry for the newbie "dumb" questions here, but I'm trying to figure out if I need a place for my chickens to lay eggs while they are out in the run away from the coop during the day. I wasn't able to track down this answer anywhere so far (though I'm sure it's out there!). I have a nest box for my 4 chicks on the side of the coop, but they spend most of the day out in a run that I use as a chicken tractor and it's usually separate from the coop. Do I need to add a nest box somewhere inside the run for them during the day? Thanks for the help!

 

[Sequin]

I would. Because they don't all lay at night or first thing in the morning. Not only that, but some sort of shelter will provide good protection from the elements and give them a safe comfy spot to lay during the day.

 

[BluegrassSeramas]

If they dont have a place, they will lay in the grass and someone might peck at it leading to egg eating.
I saw a clever idea..it was using a cat litter box with a lid. Its big enough for them to share, it has a handle to easily move it, its plastic and can be sprayed out if it gets dirty!

 

[Chicky Jean]

Thanks! I will work on adding one before my chickies start laying eggs. I like the litter box idea since I'm a little tired of building things at the moment!