Hoarding Hen

[along121]

I have 6 buff orpington hens. Only 1 is laying an egg a day. I have some that seem like they want to start laying, but the laying hen seems to run to the nest every time another hen tries to go there. I put fake eggs in the 4 other nest boxes, but this seems to be the spot. Am I imagining this or do hens do this??? I know that sometimes there is a group nest so I understand that part. I grew up with ( free range chickens), but never really paid attention until my dad would put a glass egg in the nest to catch a snake that was eating the eggs. I am very patient so one egg a day is fine. I was just trying to learn more from all the experts.

 

[gryeyes]

Hens like to lay where other hens have laid eggs; they "know" it's a good spot.

Favorite nest boxes can change, too, from day to day.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, along121, and

! Great to have you with us! If they are still young maybe the others are just exploring nesting sites before they actually start laying. Good luck to you!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying you may want to check out this forum, good info there.

 

[drumstick diva]

chickens will not only line up to use the same nest box but, if their patience runs thin, they just climb on top of the occupant and lay an egg right on top of them.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!