Hens laying in left box only?

[Gamecock44]

I have 5 hens-3 Barred Rocks and 2 RI Reds. They are over 5 and 1/2 months old and have been laying for 3 weeks now. Getting on average 4 eggs a day. All the eggs are in the left side box. No eggs have been laid in the middle or right side box. Why?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Completely normal. There's usually a "favorite" nest box that most of the birds will prefer. You can try getting them interested in the other boxes by having an egg analog in all boxes, to make them look like they're being used, but they may still favor one box over the others.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Because chickens are totally weird It's pretty common for them to pick a favorite nest box, and everybody wants to lay there.
Try putting ceramic eggs or golf balls in the nests they aren't using. Sometimes you can fool them into using all the nest boxes.

 

[Gamecock44]

OK-Thanks.

 

[ValerieJ]

because...chickens

 

[aart]

Try putting ceramic eggs or golf balls in the nests they aren't using. Sometimes you can fool them into using all the nest boxes.

Ditto Dat^^^
Works here.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Our ways are not their ways. Don't let it worry you, enjoy your new eggs and have fun.

 

[chickens really]

They prefer the most secure nest box or what one the first layer uses. Hanging a curtain will give more privacy to the other nest boxes.

 

[slordaz]

Chickens will be chickens, just be glad you don't have 17 hens all wanting to lay in the same box.

 

[bruceha2000]

I think there is also a concept that if someone else laid there it must be a good place. It can be beneficial in the winter since the first eggs laid get warmed some as subsequent hens sit waiting for their egg to emerge.