Hen not laying in nesting box?!

[zekeman615]

My hen just started laying and her first three eggs were in the 'nest' she made under our porch in dried leaves. All of my chickens free range everyday, so is that it? I have two nest boxes up in the top part of the coop, but does she not like them so she doesn't lay in them? She lays them at around 12 noon, but I will be starting school soon so I don't want them just laying under the porch all day. I do have gold balls in the boxes, but I am sure it is not working. It is dark, dry and clean up at the top, so again I don't know why she isn't laying them there.

They do know where there home is, so it is not like she is confused. Any advice?

Thank you!

 

[RoosterAddict99]

My sebrights have always layed in the feed bin or in the flower box (wich drives my mom insane!) Chickens are creatures of habit so, you have to keep her in the coop a few days and see if that works or encourage her to lay in another spot outside. (That's how they ended up laying in the feed bin) Since you free range them, it is natural for them to want to lay outside. Also,chickens don't like to lay in the dark so, you might want to try puting a light in thier coop. Good Luck!!!

 

[zekeman615]

Thank you!! I am putting a light in my chicken coop today so I will try that! Thank you again!

 

[zekeman615]

Hey RoosterAddict99, I would like to thank you and tell you that today, my hen laid in her nest box, so I hope it is the start of something new! Again, thank you for your advice!