Hidden nests

[applesetoranges]

Hey guys my chickens are pretty free range they have their nesting boxes that were in use quite often then we added to our flock. Then eggs disappeared there were no eggs in the boxes so I figured the hens stopped laying because of the new pullets. I was wrong so wrong. They decided all 6 hens decided to lay all their eggs together in a storage shed behind a curtain. When I found their new favorite "nest" there were 26 eggs. So I was just wondering if anyone else has found these hidden nests.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Other than them molting and stopping laying during the molt, hidden nests are probably the biggest reason people write posts on here about their hens not laying or production dramatically dropping. That is extremely common.

 

[aart]

Very common...keep them cooped up for a few days to rehabituate them to laying in the coop nests.

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 for 3-4 days can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, 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.