Hens not laying in nesting boxes

[AmyMable]

I have two silver laced Wyandotes, a Rhode Island Red, and an Ameraucauna. One or more, started laying eggs last week. We are very excited to start seeing those beautiful eggs. As I am not an egg eater, my son tested them and gave them two thumbs up.

My problem: I was a little late getting the nesting boxes set up. I did it right after seeing the first egg; however, they are not laying in the nesting boxes. They make a nest in the bedding next to the boxes. I tried a different type of nesting box in the spot where they are laying. This morning I found the egg in the bedding right next to the new nesting box. I have tried placing a fake egg in the nesting box without success. Any ideas?

Also, since I do not see them lay, how can I find out which ones are laying? I think the Rhode Island red is laying but I get an egg everyday so I am pretty sure another one is laying also.

 

[GitaBooks]

This is a pretty common problem with chickens. If where they are laying is safe, its okay for them to lay there. I let my chickens lay all over the barn. I set up nests and memorize where they lay and search these areas each night. Its a little more work, but it helps because I don't have to build more nest boxes when I get more hens.
However, if you want them to lay in the boxes (most people do), keep up the work with the fake eggs. Put the real eggs you collect in the morning into the nest boxes so its like a whole clutch. But down a box or stump where they have been laying to discourage them until they get the hang of things.
You can test the hens, seeing how many fingers fit between the pubic bones near their vent. You can also try putting dye on their vent. Ameraucanas lay blue eggs, and Easter Eggers (A common Ameraucana cross) usually lay green, blue, red, and sometimes brown eggs. Rhode Island Reds have shades of brown, as do wyandottes.


I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[mmmyyykkkeee]

I have 3 laying hens and 1 of them used to lay her egg on the floor. I found broken eggs few times because they stepped on it. What i did was, i put her inside the nesting box and blocked it. I made sure no eggs inside the box as she might step on it and break it.i did not let her out until she laid her egg. The next morning, she started laying in the box and problems is solved.

With regards to "who is laying", you should look for signs:
1. Red comb and wattles
2. Who sings the egg song
3. Laying hens have wide vents so the egg can go out. Non layjng hens have firmer vents.
4. Sometimes i stick my finger in their vent to feel the egg. It is not recommended though but if you will do it, make sure you use gloves and lubricant to avoid infection. And be very very gentle as you might break the egg inside which can cause problems.

Hope this helps. Goodluck!

 

[AmyMable]

Thank you! I appreciate your advice. I was just a few minutes too late to see who laid this mornings egg. It was still warm. I think my layers are the rhode island red and one of the wyandottes.