Hidden nest located, now what . . .

[redinator]

They'll get gradually larger over the next few weeks. I know it's annoying after waiting so long for them to even lay eggs. :-/

I'm fine with it. The oldest are 20 weeks and I wasn't planning on getting any until next spring. This gives me a chance to work out the kinks before the younger pullets (12 weeks old) start laying . . . maybe.

 

[redinator]

Update: I still only have one pullet laying and after a bit of negotiating she has started laying in the nest box. I moved it under the landing where she laid he first few eggs.

I tried using the fake egg to keep her laying in the nest box, but if I remove all her eggs and leave the fake she kicks it out if the nest box and doesn't lay for a few days. When she does lay she'll go back to laying in the dirt as far under the steps as she can, not in the nest box until I put one of her eggs in it. The fake eggs are noticeably larger than hers, but still brown (like hers).

Any suggestions? I don't want to change too much and cause her to move the nest . . . she's already proven she can hide them pretty well. Should I continue to leave one of hers in the nest to keep her laying there? What can I mark the egg with so I know which one is a day older, if I do that?

 

[Mrs. K]

Block off the under the steps, or put something in there that destroys that nest.

One would think they would find a good place and stick to it - nada. I finally caved, as I have ground nests in the coop. I finally created a nice nest in a box that I could easily reach, and they were laying well in it. Today I came in, and they are all back laying in their proper nests????$$%^&

I have kept chickens for years. What works the best is to block off their 'new spot' if it is a pain to reach. If not, I let them lay there as I know where that spot is. But the thing is, they lay for a while and then think, ew, need something new.

 

[redinator]

Block off the under the steps, or put something in there that destroys that nest.

One would think they would find a good place and stick to it - nada. I finally caved, as I have ground nests in the coop. I finally created a nice nest in a box that I could easily reach, and they were laying well in it. Today I came in, and they are all back laying in their proper nests????$$%^&

I have kept chickens for years. What works the best is to block off their 'new spot' if it is a pain to reach. If not, I let them lay there as I know where that spot is. But the thing is, they lay for a while and then think, ew, need something new.

I ended up pulling all 4 eggs she'd land over the last few days. I fully expected she'd either move to a different spot or not lay. To my surprise and relief she continued to lay in the nest box. Hopefully the younger pullets will just follow her lead and lay there too, only time will tell.