Hen nesting behind old board

[NathanNeighbour]

So FINALLY my hens are starting to show massive signs of imminent egg laying!! They free range in our small backyard all afternoon. Yesterday one hen was trying to nest everywhere but her nesting box in the coop.

the dog house
under a coffee table
under the branch of a tree

She settled down behind an old piece of plywood leaned up against a wall. This is obviously not ideal. Should I keep them in their run for the day so her only best option is the nesting box?

 

[familyfarm1]

That sounds like the best idea.

 

[song of joy]

Yes, I usually keep my pullets confined to their coop and run they first begin laying eggs, so they learn where to lay them. Despite this, I had one pullet than laid her eggs on the coop floor for a week before figuring out to use the nest boxes.