Eggs Everywhere

[seth22]

My chickens are finally beginning lay, the only problem is I'm finding a few eggs on the porch instead of the coop. Any suggestions how to insure they lay in their coop? And no smart ass answers like keep them in the coop.

 

[GuineaFowling]

Do you have any fake eggs in the nest boxes? I always have at least one fake egg in the box And I had to show the hens where to lay when they first started by placing them in the box. They got the hang of it pretty quick. Also, make sure you have 1 box for every two hens or else they’ll make trouble :/

 

[blackandtan]

X2 on the fake eggs.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree with putting fake eggs in the nest boxes.
And honestly, every so often I have to keep my girls in the coop for a day or two. It helps to remind them that the coop is where they're supposed to lay their eggs.

 

[aart]

And no smart ass answers like keep them in the coop.

That actually is the fastest way to train them to lay in the coop.
Even tho it doesn't sound like that's an option for you, I'll post the following for others.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them confined to the coop and run for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[tripletfeb]

My chickens are finally beginning lay, the only problem is I'm finding a few eggs on the porch instead of the coop. Any suggestions how to insure they lay in their coop? And no smart ass answers like keep them in the coop.

If they don't know that the coop is "home" how do you expect them to lay in the coop if you don't train them? So, I'll be the smart ass that's needed. Keep them in the coop, with fake eggs or golf balls in the nest boxes. That way they know to lay in the boxes. If they lay in the morning or early afternoon, go ahead and let them out to free range the rest of the day. Chickens are not mind readers. They need to be trained to lay in the nest boxes.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My chickens are finally beginning lay, the only problem is I'm finding a few eggs on the porch instead of the coop. Any suggestions how to insure they lay in their coop? And no smart ass answers like keep them in the coop.

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Keeping them in the coop is absolutely the best way to retrain them to lay in the box. Fake eggs definitely help.. as some of my ladies will search for a place to hide nests if they think their box is being raided.

Now, before you jump down my throat.. please let me add to that.

I have to go on lock down usually short term for new layers and again shortly after weather turns nice each spring to retrain the more adventurous ladies where I want them to lay.

Honestly... anyone who won't get with the program will be culled from my flock... usually sold to another home.. as there are far too many blackberry bushes at my place for me to be searching.

Too many folks think of coop time as cruel... when in fact it can be a life saver... during heavy predator load times and such.

Best wishes on retraining!

(this was typed early around post #3, so still reading other posts)

 

[seth22]

I had been using fake eggs until they had been laying for about 2 weeks, then I took them out. I'll probly put them back in. And I have been keeping them cooped up til about noon this week, seems to be working so far.

 

[rehdancer]

My (limited) experience is that even if they have many boxes to use they will have favorites, or they may need to lay and their favorite box is occupied so they just lay where they can and might not be a box. I have had them lay on the floor of the coop but at least it's inside and it's not a regular thing. I agree the best thing to do is to confine them for 2 or 3 days. Yes, they may grumble, but you'll have made your point. I actually used an egg-shaped rock for some nests, worked just fine. I also brush my dog in the enclosure where the coop is and put the fur/hair in the nest boxes. They don't seem to mind. Anything that I think might keep in warmth !!!

 

[aart]

I had been using fake eggs until they had been laying for about 2 weeks, then I took them out. I'll probly put them back in. And I have been keeping them cooped up til about noon this week, seems to be working so far.

I just leave one fake egg in each nest all the time.