Laying outside the nesting box

[stefanijoi]

My labrador recently stumbled accross a nest of 18 eggs about 20 feet from the coop in our hay field. We moved them inside the coop for possible nesting but wondered how we keep them laying in the coop. We get about 6-7 eggs per day in the coop from 10 hens. I guess we have some rogue ladies.

 

[Gray Farms]

Breaking them from laying outside the coop is difficult. Fake eggs in the nest boxes sometimes helps to train them. You may have to shut them in for a couple weeks to break the habit.

 

[Grits&Eggs]

what do you use for nesting material? sounds like they prefer hay!

 

[stefanijoi]

Breaking them from laying outside the coop is difficult. Fake eggs in the nest boxes sometimes helps to train them. You may have to shut them in for a couple weeks to break the habit.

Thanks. I try the fake eggs.

 

[stefanijoi]

what do you use for nesting material? sounds like they prefer hay!

pine shavings.

 

[stefanijoi]

pine shavings.

I'll keep an eye on them and use Marley as an egg hunter.

 

[aart]

Lock 'em up!
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[stefanijoi]

Lock 'em up!
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

thanks. We're trying a mid-day release for a little while

 

[pennyJo1960]

I agree with aart keep in in for a few days show them where they lay