Fighting over nesting box how do I stop this?

[flowergirl60]

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x2

 

[chuckzoo]

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Ddawn, that's an interesting idea! I wonder if I closed off the nesting box and build two more nesting boxes off the back wall in the run if they would use those? If I closed the coop off during the day they would be forced to use them right?

 

[DickGJ]

Chicken behavior is both incredibly interesting and bewildering at the same time!

 

[chuckzoo]

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So true!

I know it sounds silly but when my small flock is not getting along well it really bothers me - I like peace and harmony!

 

[DickGJ]

I agree totally...a happy flock is very theraputic to me is seems. When they fight, I want to send one to his/her room (ground them), or smack them on the butt with a rolled up newpaper...I have to remind myself that they aren't like a dog or something similar. They seem slow to "get the message" I guess some folks have succeeded though...mine just don't seem to be too bright.

 

[Judy]

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Sounds good to me! I was thinking that anything that was totally different should shake them up -- they hate change so, and hopefully would forget about their current war because of it. I like the idea of putting them in the run even better than the coop -- even more change!

Of course you might find some eggs in some odd places for a while -- but I imagine you'd prefer this to injuries.

 

[chuckzoo]

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Sounds good to me! I was thinking that anything that was totally different should shake them up -- they hate change so, and hopefully would forget about their current war because of it. I like the idea of putting them in the run even better than the coop -- even more change!

Of course you might find some eggs in some odd places for a while -- but I imagine you'd prefer this to injuries.

Eggs in odd places I can handle, hens fighting - I can not!

I'm getting started on this right away.

 

[okiecowboy]

just joined on here i have 10 hens and enough nesting boxes for 20 hens made of wood and milk crates they seem to fight over the wooden ones more so going to build some more i hate my girls fighting not very lady like is it lol dang right mean

 

[KunkletownChix]

My girls have been laying for a couple of months now (they just turned 6 months old) and they never fought over the nesting boxes, although they always laid their eggs on one side (I have three nesting boxes on each side of the coop).

Even though the nesting boxes are set up identically, with the same amount of straw and shavings, they only use one side. I tried a fake egg, hard boiled eggs, and moving their eggs to the other side, but to no avail! For the past week two weeks, it has become a daily battle over one particular nesting box and they are viciously attacking each other.

I think I'm going to follow your lead and board up that entire side for the time being. Thanks!!!

 

[aart]

My girls have been laying for a couple of months now (they just turned 6 months old) and they never fought over the nesting boxes, although they always laid their eggs on one side (I have three nesting boxes on each side of the coop).

Even though the nesting boxes are set up identically, with the same amount of straw and shavings, they only use one side. I tried a fake egg, hard boiled eggs, and moving their eggs to the other side, but to no avail! For the past week two weeks, it has become a daily battle over one particular nesting box and they are viciously attacking each other.

I think I'm going to follow your lead and board up that entire side for the time being. Thanks!!!

Welcome to BYC!

Put fake eggs in all the available nests....and leave them there long term...it can take some time for habits to change.
Newly laying pullets are rather hormonal...literally and figuratively.
Can take up to a month or so for things to calm down and smooth out.