how to move an unauthorized nest? - updated with pics

[shaggy]

i went out to check on my chickens this morning --- and all the hens were in the coop --- which is kind of unusual because they usually spend all day in the run --- i open up the coop to look inside and they had made an unauthorized nest right in the middle of the coop

so i moved all the materials into the egg box that i had built into the coop --- then the hens go back downstairs to the run

i go back inside for about 30 minutes and then come back out to check to see whats going on and all the hens are back up in the coop

30 minutes later i go to see what they had done, because they were all back downstairs in the run again

they had built another nest in the middle of the coop, but this time against a wall so it was less noticeable

i went ahead and moved all of those materials into the egg box again and this time i stuffed it with fresh grass (they love eating it - and if it doesn't get eaten then it dries and that is what they are using to make their nests)


i really want them to nest and lay eggs in the egg box because i had designed it to be easy access to collect eggs

any suggestions?

(*note - there are 2 15 week old buff orps 1 15 week old rir and 1 13 week old silkie)

i am not exactly sure who the culprit is so i am not sure if i can lock it up in the nest/egg box over night)



-- edit --

ohh yeah --- the little round egg shaped rock i had put in the egg box a week ago has been pushed out of the egg box --- as if they were pushing it towards the first unauthorized nest



silly chickens

 

[annanicole18]

well at least they made a nest and intend to use it. my black sex link hen decided that the nest box was only big enough for her small first eggs and pushed out my two other mature hens eggs. thank goodness their box is on the floor or she would be in trouble, she has since accepted that the other hens use the box too

 

[Uppity Peon]

You know.... I think I would just be happy they aren't making the nest where you can't find it.

 

[shaggy]

they are at it again --- i keep going out there to spy on them to see whats up

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thats weird maybe they like the floor better. maybe more shady or secretive or hidden or comfortable or something. Maybe you could put a video camera or something in there to spy on them? Maybe you could catch the culprit in this way or maybe there is no one culprit and they are all pitching in to build a "community" nest hoping you won't notice. hehe lol haha

 

[shaggy]

images for update

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

I love that last picture. Looks like your chicken is saying.. "Can I get some privacy please?"