Keeping Run and Coop Separate

[arad59]

We have a small flock of 5 hens that are about to be 18 weeks old. Up until now we have a 16 foot run outside and the coop is in the garage. This has worked well as there is plenty of ventillation in the garage and they have learned to go there each night after free-ranging for a couple of hours. Can I keep this arrangement now that they will start laying eggs? Wasn't sure about nesting boxes in the run? or if I should confine them to the coop to learn to lay in those nesting boxes? Any help on this would be appreciated!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They should lay their eggs in the coop. You can put golf balls or fake eggs in there to encourage them. IF you find hidden nests then I'd confine them so they learn to lay in the boxes.

Usually my chickens catch on if there is a fake egg in there.

 

[Percheron chick]

Why keep them in the garage? You are create an extra layer of work for you every time your birds need moving. Build a coop attached to the run. Hens lay 99% of the time during the day and they need to be able to retreat to a safe and quiet place to take care of their business. What about bad weather when they don't want to be out? They need access to the coop whenever they need it.