How can I get my pullets to lay in the coop like the big gals?!?!

[awesomefowl]

The pullets in question are at least 20 weeks old; total freerangers; and I've just noticed them beginning to squat. so how do I get them to lay in the nest-boxes like the older hens do? Should I shut the older hens out during the daytime? It would be hard, but they aren't laying much anyway, as they are molting. I really don't want these pullets to lay in every corner of our spacious acres, as I can't wait to get green eggs from my EEs! *girlish squeal*
Any ideas?!?! Thanks!!!

 

[N&MSchroeder]

Yes, I am in a similar situation. I have recently combined my two flocks so they have all been free ranging. My coop is divided in two, so my plan is to open the door to the hen run and then open the dividing door inside of the coop. That will confine both flocks in the run. Most of my hens lay in the morning, so I will let them all out to free range at 1 or 2 in the afternoon until dusk. I know that some of the younger pullets have been laying as you put it in every corner.

That is my plan!

 

[awesomefowl]

I'll try that tomorrow!

 

[karlamaria]

Locked my squatter in the run for 3 days, she found a nest box and has laid in it almost every day since, but... She tried to lay in my hedges, 2 times before I locked her in the run, now all my girls are in the run until they lay, there all about ready and im not about to guess if they laid or not . No free ranging until there laying in the nest boxes. After the first girl laid in the nest box I kept her in the run for 2 dAys until she got the hang of it, after that she went into the coop her self and laid. We made the run twice as big yesterday so they can be in the run and be close to the nest boxes.

 

[awesomefowl]

Still no eggs....driving me crazy!!! They HAVE to be laying somewhere?!!!

 

[hispoptart]

Mine started squatting about 3 weeks ago and I just got my first eggs 2 days ago. I'm sure they will start soon.

 

[JodyJo]

mine are 20-22 weeks...just started getting eggs last week...most in the coop, one on the floor of the coop, one outside on the ground...
I put golf balls in the nesting boxes too, that seemed to help a bit...

It takes forever doesn't it? Yikes...they will get it, keeping them in a bit longer in the AM may help as well.

 

[awesomefowl]

I am almost positive they're laying. SOMEWHERE. I'm not letting them out of the coop until they lay, even if it takes weeks.