Hidden eggs

[docdubz]

My hens keep hiding nests. Id say only about a quarter of all their eggs are being laid in the coop. I keep finding random nests hidden in tree roots or under leaves with 2 - 4 dozen eggs in each nest. The problem is i never know how long they have been sitting there but they usually look like they sat through several storms (caked in mud) so Ive been squeemish about eating those eggs.

Ive had dysentery before so im a little paranoid about food poisoning, is my hesitation to eat these eggs warranted?

 

[nuthatched]

I'd personally not eat an egg I know has been outside longer than a few days, eggs sitting out in the weather deteriorate quickly.

 

[docdubz]

I'd personally not eat an egg I know has been outside longer than a few days, eggs sitting out in the weather deteriorate quickly.

Thats what I had assumed. I figured they arent being sat on and the bloom is getting washed away by rain.

 

[Katie386]

I’ve noticed that if I move nest boxes or get new ones my chickens will get upset and find their own spot. do you have enough nest boxes? Some of my hens are lazy layers and take the nest for hours making other hens antsy. I have 10 nest boxes for 10 hens and that seemed to keep them from wandering to lay their eggs. They only use half the boxes but better safe than sorry. I used to have dreams of chicks appearing in the yard because of hidden eggs

 

[aart]

If you want them to lay in the coop nests, lock 'em up.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop/run for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.