just "found" our first eggs! should I put them in the nest boxes?

[cutlass1972]

WOO HOO!! just found our first eggs!!! unfortunatly they where under and old jeep fender in the back. There where 7 eggs!!! I am not sure if multiple hens decided to start laying in the same spot or what?
I took one egg and put it in each nest box along with the golf balls I had in there already. Should I leave them there or go put one back in their nest?
Should I leave the hens locked up in the coop for a few days so they have to lay in there?

 

[miss_jayne]

i think your second idea would be the best choice. keep them in if weather and space allow. keep the golf balls in place and keep the ladies inside until they get a routine down and establish a new nesting area.

 

[cutlass1972]

 

[miss_thenorth]

Yep! What she said. Keep them locked up until they figure out what the nesting boxes are for. I would generally say keep them at least contained for the morning, but some of my girls don't lay until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I wish mine would get it over and done with in the morning.

 

[miss_jayne]

it doesn't matter that the golf ball doesn't look JUST like the egg. chickens steal eggs from one another even from other breeds and species. they want the biggest clutch.

put two or three in each box and watch them go to work! you can even put day-glo colored golf balls in there and they work! it's the shape more than the color etc. (also that they are hard and if they peck at them, it discourages egg eating.)

miss_thenorth and i, we wont steer you wrong! scouts honor!!!