I have 2 nests and 3 hens that lay, but they fight over one nest. One if them stays in there longer than she should, she keeps hanging onto her egg and trying to hide it. Lots of racket, sometimes one of the others lays hers in there because she can't wait. How long before they try out the new nest, they don't seem to be too interested in it?
Try putting an egg in that nest that they are not using, it worked for me. Just make sure to mark it so you know which one it is.
Hi, I have 6 hens and rooster. Three of the hens laid eggs and huddled over the same nest. Theres at least 15 nests to choose from but I guess this is common least we know our birds are 'normal' lol but they do looked squished in there! you made a new nest? caroline
Put a golf ball or another egg (anything round) in the other nest and make it darker if possible. In fact, cover as much of the entrance as possible leaving just enough for the hens to enter. A dark nest is very attracting to a laying hen, especially if she believes another hen is laying there too. You have plenty of nest, they just have taking a very strong liking to the one.
Good news, the other nest had an egg in it last night when I got home from work. Thanks for your advice, I guess I was being impatient.