Is it crazy to have a second nesting box near the house, where the hens hang out?

[squadleader]

I've got 12 hens, they sleep in the chicken tractor, but free range all day, and mostly hang out around our house.

The tractor ranges from 150 to 400 feet from the house, depending on where it is in the field, it's on the close end of that right now.

I've got two Leghorns who are being lazy, and not returning to the tractor to lay during the day, they're laying under the porch.

Yesterday the tractor had 9 brown eggs from the other 10 chickens, and no white eggs from the Leghorns.

I hate to confine the ten hens laying correctly to the tractor because the two Leghorns are being lazy. I thought about keeping the Leghorns in the tractor to get them back in the habit of laying in the tractor, but then realized the good chickens would be locked out of the tractor for laying during the day if I did that.

I'm just wondering if it's crazy to put a second outdoor nesting box by our house, where the chickens spend most of their time.

Hengear does make a standalone roll out nesting box, that's practically identical to the one in the tractor, except with a metal back and a piece of metal that pivots to keep them from perching on top of it, so maybe the extra box sitting in the yard would reinforce the idea of laying in the box.

I'm also thinking of getting rid of the two uncooperative Leghorns and replacing them with Golden Comets, all of whom are cooperating.

Is a second nesting box right around the house a good idea, or even something people do?

 

[sourland]

You wouldn't have to walk far to get the eggs.

 

[Chickassan]

Not crazy, I've got nesting boxes in the coop and one fairly close to the house so the ladies have choices if need be. Also your leghorns may not be lazy exactly, they might not be welcome nesting with the others. Chickens can be weirdos sometimes.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

I have a friend who has a lay box near her house, that a few of her gals like to use.

I probably wouldn't replace Leghorns with comets, personally... as I don't think comet's are better per say. BUT replacing anybody who can't get with the program is ALWAYS an option I WILL consider here! And I might consider trying another breed I don't already have but want to try. I also try to consider if pecking order antics (or perceived nest raiding) are at play when someone is always searching for a different place to lay. Some birds want safer nests that don't get there eggs removed every day.

Good luck.

 

[squadleader]

Thanks for all the replies, it seems like it's not unheard of.

It's probably the right thing to do, considering how far I'm asking them to go, to return to the nesting box in the tractor, it is a long way.

Doesn't seem like anyone sees any downside to doing it.

 

[Chickassan]

There isn't a downside, the absolute worst thing that's going to happen is everyone might want the new box. Sounds like that would save you some legwork anyways.

Thanks for all the replies, it seems like it's not unheard of.

It's probably the right thing to do, considering how far I'm asking them to go, to return to the nesting box in the tractor, it is a long way.

Doesn't seem like anyone sees any downside to doing it.

 

[squadleader]

That's true, thanks!

 

[Moose364]

I don't see anything wrong with having one by the house. I had a rode Island red that when I let mine out she would lay in the transon on my pontoon boat. even when the boat was covered she would work her way into the back and lay her egg, and the boat was father away then the laying boxes in there coop. if she was in the coop like on rain days or really cold she would lay in the nest box. but if out I knew to always check the boat for her egg.

 

[squadleader]

Thanks Moose, oh goodness, sounds like these Leghorns may take me on an Easter Egg hunt regardless of what I do! I do worry a bit that it'll spread to the other chickens, that's why I'm thinking to put a box close to the house, to head off complete anarchy.

Too bad the tractor is so far, but that's the deal.

 

[PeteTheSwede]

I converted one of our brooders into a 3 nesting box "house" just a few days ago (will paint it as soon as it stops raining) because some Australorps sneaked into it (the entrance was way smaller and not intended for full grown hens) and laid their eggs there instead. So since they were comfortable with that, I figured I would embrace that fact and make it easier for them to do so.
I other words, I don't see any issues with your plans of having additional boxes outside of the main coop. My poultry enamored wife (luckyplucky) took a picture of it yesterday apparently...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/dsc00989.7899487/