Egg hunting...

[ChickenGrandma2202]

We have a huge nesting box that is separated with tubs for each one and burlap curtains between each for privacy. We have 5 laying RIR and first day we had them all 5 layed, day 2 we only found 3 eggs, day 3 (today) we got 4. Problem was someone decided to poop inside so when we went to move out boxes to clean we found an egg had been shoved between two of the nest tubs. Not sure if It was from yesterday or today. My question is they all seem to lay in 2 of the tubs so would it be better to remove tubs and go with one large nest box?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Actually it won't matter what you do, they will insist on doing something else. They're chickens.

Having said that, you can try it both ways. I'm inclined to think you will have better success with separate boxes that are not close to each other.

I have 4 separate, as in opposite ends of the coop, boxes. They are of appropriate size, although one is more of a double hen size (which 2 hens do use at the same time).

That does help, most times. However, when the moon is right, they all want the same box and will fight over it. They see one hen laying in a box and think it is the "magic" box.

To help with this nest tussle, keep fake eggs in all nests. Hens like to lay where another hen has laid before....or merely seeing the egg reminds them why they are there.

Since you have seen an egg left in the middle, it might help to change the set up so eggs can't get pushed in between.

My thoughts.
LofMc

 

[ChickenGrandma2202]

Ok thanks! This is all so new that I guess it's a learning experience for sure!