Hen is laying her eggs while on the roost!!

[callahanbullock]

I have one hen laying eggs currently, but she's only been laying for around 6 days. The issue is, she seems to keeo laying them while she is on her roost, and the eggs fall down and sometimes break open (and they possibly eat some, of the egg as well, though I'm not sure). I don't think she really "gets" the whole nest box thing. I just want to know if anyone has an idea of what to do about this? I set up a little nest box on the ground to see if she will try in there, since the nest boxes built in the coop are set a bit higher.

Thank you!

 

[JenniferCNY]

When is she laying her eggs?

Do her eggs have hard shells or are they rubber eggs?

Have you tried putting fake eggs in the nesting boxes?

 

[Isaac 0]

Its normal when they start laying

 

[Isaac 0]

Nothing to be worried about my chicken did it too

 

[callahanbullock]

Jennifer, she lays them in the afternoon, but the shells are pretty strong. I tried putting little balls in the nest boxes but I don't think she gets it. I might try to find actual fake eggs though maybe.

 

[Pork Pie]

If possible, you could try moving her to a nest, when she settles on the roost to lay. If you do that a few times, then she will hopefully get the idea. I did that with one of my hens, who decided that laying in the outside sink was a good idea and it worked. It could also be that she feels threatened at the thought of using the nest boxes. I'm sure that with a little time, she will be be fine.

 

[aart]

Can you post a pic of your nests that are a bit higher?
Usually pullets start investigating the nests well or right before they are ready to lay.....
...maybe she can't get into nests comfortably?

 

[Cacique500]

Cracker Barrel (if you have one near you) sells fake ceramic eggs. I have all brown layers, so I bought the "white" eggs to put in the nest boxes. Worked like a charm for me.