Five nesting boxes, only using one, multiple chickens in box at the same time

[FortFusterCluck]

Hey, y'all. Thanks for reading this!

My seven pullets have been laying about two weeks now. They are doing great, no issues. They prefer only one nest box - all of them, the same one. To the point where they'll share the nesting box if they need to lay at the same time. I've tried different beddings and tried to mimic their ideal box to no avail.

Ideas? Just let it go and they'll figure it out? Picture attached for your amusement.

 

[cherrynberry]

Hey, y'all. Thanks for reading this!

My seven pullets have been laying about two weeks now. They are doing great, no issues. They prefer only one nest box - all of them, the same one. To the point where they'll share the nesting box if they need to lay at the same time. I've tried different beddings and tried to mimic their ideal box to no avail.

Ideas? Just let it go and they'll figure it out? Picture attached for your amusement.

Thats just the way things are. Chickens almost always favor one or a few boxes over the rest, even if they are all the same. You could try putting golf balls or other kinds of fake eggs in the less-used boxes to make them more attractive.

 

[FortFusterCluck]

Thats just the way things are. Chickens almost always favor one or a few boxes over the rest, even if they are all the same. You could try putting golf balls or other kinds of fake eggs in the less-used boxes to make them more attractive.

Thank you for your reply, Cherry. I've been moving eggs layed early in the morning to other boxes and it has helped once or twice.
Since I'm a first time chicken owner, I am more curious about how common/normal this is. So, again, thank you.

 

[Mrs. K]

Very normal - what you might try is the fake eggs - golf balls, round rocks...
Then put a milk jug with water in the favorite nest, so NO one can use it. Or cover it with cardboard. Just block it off.

Cause what can happen is you get broken eggs.

Mrs K

 

[Toothpick]

Fake eggs are a good idea but I always let them figure it out. I’ve had a few broken eggs but overall it hasn’t been a big deal.

 

[Matejka]

You can't change their mindset. What you want and what they want are worlds apart.
And.....
They're gonna do what they want.
Accept it and go on to other things.

 

[WIchickMama]

looks just like our house. i haven't had any broken eggs in a nest, but a couple in the past year that are pushed out to the floor but don't ever break. welcome to the wacky world of chickens

 

[TooCheep]

I wouldn't do anything other than moving any fake eggs/golf balls to other nests. I've never seen broken eggs from multiple hens: either serially or together. Doesn't mean it can't happen. It doesn't really hurt anything. It is a funny picture though.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I am more curious about how common/normal this is.

I agree, very normal. I often see three hens sharing my 16" x 16" nests at the same time.

 

[FortFusterCluck]

You can't change their mindset. What you want and what they want are worlds apart.
And.....
They're gonna do what they want.
Accept it and go on to other things.

Good thing I'm flexible, right?