Laying in the Wrong Places

[Eggstravaganza]

My chickens (or really just one of them, my EE) are starting to lay. They live in a covered run with a coop inside of it, raised off the ground. They spend pretty much all of their time outside in the run and only go inside to sleep when it gets dark. The one that is laying hasn't really figured out about the nesting boxes, so she just lays on the ground. I have 5 nesting boxes, one for each chicken, and a wide door that opens up behind the nesting boxes to retrieve eggs. What could I do to encourage her to lay in the nesting boxes? I keep them clean, but I was thinking I could maybe leave the door behind the nesting boxes open to keep the coop more light/open/accessible to the hens just to kind of remind them that the boxes are there. I don't want to wait to long so that she's already formed the habit of laying wherever.

Also, since she doesn't lay in the same spot, I found two eggs from an unknown date today and I'm wondering if they're okay to eat. Since she layed today, yesterday, and sunday, I think they might be from last week but it has been pretty cold which might help preserve the eggs a little more. I just hate to see the eggs go to waste.

 

[DURR]

Usually if you can put a golf ball or a dummy egg in one of the boxes it'll coax her to lay there. My hens were laying in my sons riding toy until I placed a golf ball in a 5 gal bucket with some straw and now they take turns laying in it.

And if its been around 45-65 degrees in your area then the eggs should be fine just when you crack them look for odd coloring in the yolk (browning) and an oder

 

[Eggstravaganza]

Alright, thanks a lot. I'll do that right now. What about the eggs I mentioned that may have been sitting outside for a little bit?

 

[DURR]

Lol I mentioned it above but just when you crack them watch for any odd coloring in the yolk or egg white. Also look for a oder but if its been quite cold between 45-65 degree's your eggs should be fine!

 

[Eggstravaganza]

Wow, I have no idea how I missed your original response. Lol that is actually ridiculous. Thanks again, I'll make sure to check when I eat the eggs.

 

[DURR]

Lol its alright how'd the fake egg thing go?

 

[Eggstravaganza]

When I let them out of the coop this morning they investigated the easter eggs and started pecking at them probably because they're shiny and bright, but I tried to shoo them away and discourage them from doing so. we'll see what happens next!

 

[DURR]

Lol what colors are they? Its best if you use natural colored things like I have a golf ball in my bucket and they try to nest it and such. Bright colors might make them think its food! Haha.