The dog(pitbull) ate all my good Barred Rock Hens. These hens layed great and were real friendly. I got two new hens 3 weeks ago and can not get them to lay in the boxes. They insist on laying outside. Maybe you think I should lock them in the hen house? maye then they would lay in the boxes?
Where do they lay outside? Is it on the ground or under a bush or something? They have to feel safe and comfy to lay. Perhaps since they are new to your coop, they haven't settled in yet. I would indeed keep them in for 2-3 days, making the nest boxes attractive to them and see if that helps. Once they lay inside then they could go out again. PS: Where is the dog?
Add fake eggs to the nest boxes while they are locked in for 3-4 days. It will help them get the idea. If you don't have fake eggs use golf balls.
Um, no offense, but didja get rid of the dog or buy him more chicken dinners? My girls are also laying outside here and there. I left them in later the past two days, and haven't seen any eggs elsewhere. Good luck- Jess
My girls are around 21 weeks and just started laying...and let me tell you, it is a full on Easter egg hunt around here some days....They do lay in their nests, but for some reason, I dont know maybe they forget where to go, they have been laying in different places. What I did was block off the places that they layed in....under the trampoline steps and my kids Little tykes playhouse. They still have all of their favorite hang out spots, just no acces to the 2 places they were laying eggs in. They are back to laying in the nest for now....That is just an idea...
Psssst where is the dog??? tell him I have some things to say to him, like "that is NOT acceptable behaviour"
Quote:Be aware - my chickens thought they were something odd (predator or predator's eggs, etc.), so they didn't come home and wouldn't go in the coop until I removed the 'eggs'.
I can honestly say I have never had that happen with fake eggs. But I know there is always the exception to the rule.