Fighting over nesting boxes

[taylacline]

We always hear a couple hens squawking at each other over the nesting boxes but today I found the two in the same nest at the same time! Lol they were both sitting and looked like they were trying to lay when I first noticed them but when I went into the coop the silver girl stood up. Notice the 2 completely empty boxes right there but they love the bucket. I even put a fake egg in the nesting boxes but somehow the fake egg always ends up in the bucket with the girls eggs as well

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think of this as a flock quirk. Birds in some flocks love to stuff themselves into a favorite nest box (even if that means 2 or 3 hens in a single box), birds in other flocks don't share.

 

[aart]

somehow the fake egg always ends up in the bucket with the girls eggs as well

BTDT. Mark all the way around the fake egg with a thick sharpie marker.

The nests look rather open and it looks like they prefer the cozier spot in the tub.
Nests with roofs and sides may be more inviting.

 

[CrystalAnon]

We always hear a couple hens squawking at each other over the nesting boxes but today I found the two in the same nest at the same time! Lol they were both sitting and looked like they were trying to lay when I first noticed them but when I went into the coop the silver girl stood up. Notice the 2 completely empty boxes right there but they love the bucket. I even put a fake egg in the nesting boxes but somehow the fake egg always ends up in the bucket with the girls eggs as well

Beautiful girls!
What breed is the silver one?

 

[Soujrnr]

I have three that try to get into one box at the same time.

 

[Party_Chicken]

I have this same problem. My 8 hens only use one box. But they get so sour that they refuse to share I often find waiting line for the nest box. My old rooster kept the fighting in line I have a little cockerel right now that will be able to control the hens soon.