Help make egg gathering less of a hunt...

[freezerpops]

So my group of bantams (10, mixed breeds) have just started laying and it’s utter chaos. I’ve got a mature buff orp who is routinely laying in a nest box. The bantams are very sporadic about their laying spots. Two of them only lay in the run (one in a food container, the other straight on the ground), the others switch between the nest boxes and the run. I’ve got 4 nest boxes with fake ceramic eggs. Im wondering what I can do to increase their use of the boxes. Perhaps the nest boxes need more cover? More fake eggs? Only 2 of the boxes are ever used, the others are always empty. Should I stack another layer of boxes on the same side as the favorite ones? I’m considering getting a covered litter box with wood chips in the run if they can’t be swayed to go inside. I’m worried eggs left out in the yard will get broken, and I may end up with egg eaters if they have broken eggs around. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[True Patriot]

Try raising the boxes a little and closing them in a bit. Right now they seem like part of the run floor. A cover on the feeder will help.

 

[snow5164]

Agreed, I think they need a defined nesting box, that looks like the whole room is for laying , try a different flooring too. My boxes are full of sand I love it , no more throwing it out and the eggs are so clean

 

[freezerpops]

Well I went out to raise the frame the boxes are on up more and found this I’ll let these ladies finish and then raise it up. I’ve got some wood to cover the boxes more too. Sand sounds interesting! I wish I had grabbed a bag at the hardware store; I usually keep one on had to refill their dust bath area.

 

[aart]

have just started laying and it’s utter chaos.

Typical, give it time.
Tho for 10 birds I'd have 3-4 nests.
Fake eggs in all the nests can really help lure them in and 'spread the love'.

 

[Mrs. K]

As they figure laying out, they will get better. I think it is kind of like potty training, they wait to long before trying to get to a nest and whoops. It is in the feed bucket! Haha