Laying box problem - laying under shrubbery

[napachickengal]

My year-old hen is laying under a large shrub - different from another one she laid under, after bluejays were snagging her eggs and her buddy's. Now, she's relocated to another shrub, further away. What can I do? I'm gonna trim wings on all the girls I have, since they fly the coop and enjoy hanging on my new deck. The 2nd bird does still lay in new laying box, which Emmy was, until this past week. Very frustrating. Any ideas?

 

[50-45-1]

My question would be about your current coop and nest box set up.
How many hens and how many boxes?
Do you have fake eggs in the provided nests?
My boxes are quiet, secluded and darkened. My chickens free range during the day, but still return to the coop to lay their eggs.
You could check out my coop page to see them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is there a run at all? Confining them to the run and coop for a few weeks should help reset where they're laying.

 

[napachickengal]

well, I discovered 2 newbies laid their first egg in another part of garden - same spot - too turns, I guess. I just redid laying boxes. I think this may be the problem. I had first dealt with bluejays stealing eggs for a week, the 2 layers then took the week and hid 17 eggs under a very thick bush - all eggs survived. And they had initially laid in square boxes with shavings, no problema - then jays. So I'm hoping jays won't return, since I now have 4 layers and want them in the coop. And I'm going to start clipping wings b'cz they "fly the coop" and gutted garden. Their run is ample - nice and large for my 8 ladies. I'll let them out half the week. Stay tuned and thnx for input. I love this website.

 

[aart]

And I'm going to start clipping wings b'cz they "fly the coop"

Do you have a run, with a mesh roof?
Best, maybe only, way to 'train' to use nests is confinement to coop and run.