Eggs are being laid on the floor - not in the nesting boxes.

[sunkistfarm]

There are several nesting boxes in the coop. The hens just started laying this week. So far I have 3 eggs in 4 days and each one is laid in the middle on the coop. I put 3 golf balls in each nesting box and more shavings and every afternoon I find 1 egg on the floor. It seems the chickens bury golf balls in the nesting box so I uncover them and the next day the same. The nesting boxes are not covered. Would it help if I give them a "roof"? Any help is appreciated. They are experiencing their first snow and will not come out of the coop. Don't know if this has anything to do with the problem...

 

[Desert Rooster]

you should try putting one of their eggs in the nesting box, also put the nesting box on the floor if you can, so they can see the egg in the nest, and after they start to lay in the nest box, put the nest box back in its place

 

[sixty7x]

from what I've been told, chickens like to lay in a very private place. Definately try what Desert said and maybe put a top on the nestboxes.

 

[LOST Chick Heather]

My girls were doing that too. What worked for me was to put curtains up on the nestboxes-I think that there was too much light getting in. I think putting a roof on would be beneficial too.

 

[serendipityfarm]

What breed is it?
I ask because I thought I had the same problem and then found out the egg was actually being laid in the nest, but sticking to the feathers of her fluffy butt (Cochin), and falling off when she jumped out of the box!
Just a thought!

 

[sunkistfarm]

They are EE's. I think I will make a "roof" for the nesting boxes today and see if that helps. No egg yesterday. :-( Maybe since no one will go outside they feel too crowded in there and won't lay?

 

[marcumbackyardfarms]

My chickens love to lay in dark quiet places. I have found over time that leaving eggs in nest boxes does work wonders. You'd be surprised how fast they catch on to an egg better than other objects. Sometimes it just takes them a while to get the hang of everything that is happening.

 

[Talihofarms]

Once the girls get used to laying they should lay in their boxes.
Remember to mark any eggs you plan to use as decoys.

I find that after several weeks the girls get used to laying in their boxes once they get a routine.
Just remember to look for any covert nests with eggs.
If you find an illegal nest, remove eggs or they will continue to use it.




just my .02

 

[skunknchatter]

I agree with enclosing the nest boxes a little and you can also put a golf ball or plastic egg (filled with sand) in each nest box to let your girls know where to lay. Sometimes all they need is someone to show them where.

 

[mgw]

Sometimes I think it takes them awhle to realize when they need to lay. I watched one of our new layers in the coop she was just standing there then quickly squatted down and there was an egg. All the advice folks have given is good try things until some thing works . They will figure it out soon.