Just Curious

[AudieWarren]

This is my 2nd year with chickens. I'm curious if this year's hens will learn to lay in the nesting boxes from watching the seasoned hens...

 

[HuskerHens18]

They might, you never know with chickens

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Most of mine just know,but that could be because of the previous girls,

 

[CannedMonster]

I like to put fake eggs or golf balls in each nesting box when I have pullets nearing POL (point of lay) so they know that’s a safe place to lay.
I don’t rely on my older layers because I collect the eggs throughout the day so they’re not there for long.
I do this because I don’t want curious chickens accidentally breaking an egg and becoming egg eaters.
They’ll peck the fake ones and eventually lose interest in them and the real ones.

 

[aart]

I like to put fake eggs or golf balls in each nesting box when I have pullets nearing POL (point of lay) so they know that’s a safe place to lay.
I don’t rely on my older layers because I collect the eggs throughout the day so they’re not there for long.
I do this because I don’t want curious chickens accidentally breaking an egg and becoming egg eaters.
They’ll peck the fake ones and eventually lose interest in them and the real ones.

Ditto Dat^^^

This is my 2nd year with chickens. I'm curious if this year's hens will learn to lay in the nesting boxes from watching the seasoned hens...

They should...if there are plenty of nests and the pullets are not bullied away from the nests by the hens.
Your avatar says you are free ranging, that could complicate things.

 

[AudieWarren]

@aart I have 4 acres fenced in with about 50 chickens. Probably half are cockerals that we will butcher in Sept. The hens/pullets all seem to get along. The equally keep the boys in line. There are a dozen older hens and they have access to 9 nesting boxes but only use 2. I figure the young ones will be like that as well.

 

[AudieWarren]

@ChooksNQuilts I never had to use anything with my older hens. I was surprised. I collected eggs anywhere between 3 and 5 o'clock. I don't like to mess with them too much during the day bc they hide eggs in the woods then.

 

[aart]

There are a dozen older hens and they have access to 9 nesting boxes but only use 2.

If you use fake eggs or golf balls in all the nests it will 'spread the love'...
.... and may make it easier for the pullets to gain nest access.