Laying eggs away from normal area.

[MiamiChickens]

Hello all! Newbie here with 7 backyard hens.

Recently a few of the hens have been jumping the fence of their normal enclosure. I thought it was relatively normal behavior and maybe they were just looking to munch on some fresh grass, but today I found that at least three of them have been laying eggs in a secluded part of the garden (I found 7 in total!). Their house has a large nest box area but they don't seem to want to use it.

Any idea if this is normal or if there is any reason behind it?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It can be normal this time of year for them to seek out something better than nestboxes. Make sure you have fake eggs in some of your boxes and that they are slightly darkened to make them more appealing.

 

[MiamiChickens]

Thank you! That's what I'll do!