Making their own nests! advice?

[Chookin gooood]

My hens are laying in our barn,not in their shed. They have nest boxes in their shed with fresh straw but they are not using it. They have used it before though. i was wondering if locking them in would help? I have 5 hens and a cockerel in this shed, i know they mostly lay in the morning, should i keep them in till later?
Thanks for any help!

 

[sourland]

I would try keeping them locked in the coop until they have laid - hopefully they will then continue to lay in the coop. 'Nest eggs' in the coop may also encourage them to resume laying there. Their instinct is telling them to find places where their eggs will not be taken.

 

[Chookin gooood]

Thankyou! you don't think they will take any harm in being locked in?

 

[sourland]

If you let them out early afternoon, all should be fine. If they start pecking or feather plucking, you may need to rethink this plan. Worst case scenario you have to go back to daily egg hunts.