new roost & now won't lay in nesting boxes

[Dan Davis]

We recently made some alterations to the coop to make it easier to clean roost droppings, and now they won't lay in the nesting boxes. We changed from 1 long pole running length wise to 2 short poles running across the coop. We moved the nesting box closer to the entrance to the coop. The hens are laying in the far back corner under the new roost, and almost impossible to get to. Any suggestions? Could they be looking for more privacy when doing their business?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Chickens are very much creatures of habit. Especially when it comes to where they lay.

Yes, they are probably looking for more privacy or feel that your new location is not as safe.

I would rather have an easier time collecting egg than cleaning poo. Sounds like you might have a little experimenting to do. At least they didn't quit laying on you, as some do when we mess up their routine! Good luck getting it figured out.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Chickens hate change, and you made real alterations in their nest sites. The hens do prefer dark corners for nesting, and don't care about your convenience1
Try leaving a couple of eggs in their boxes, and see if it's inspirational.
Mary

 

[jballone]

Put the nest box where they are laying (sounds like it's moveable) and slowly move it over many days to it's new location.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Put the nest box where they are laying (sounds like it's moveable) and slowly move it over many days to it's new location.

Hi, hope you are enjoying BYC!

That's a pretty good idea.

 

[Niko C]

If you moved the boxes closer to the entrance they may not be laying there because there may be too much light so try moving it to a darker area or putting a piece of black fabric in front of the box because chickens like darker places while laying

 

[aart]

Block the corner where they are laying with a bucket or something and put fake eggs in the nests and give it some time.
They hate change, but will adapt with some manipulations/coercion/management.
Chickens don't know from 'privacy', that's a human thing,
but they do like 'safe' and changes make them feel unsafe.

 

[Dan Davis]

Thanks everyone! I will remodel the coop back the it was and try a different method of gaining access to clean.

I agree, privacy when doing business is important to adults and chickens!

 

[aart]

Thanks everyone! I will remodel the coop back the it was and try a different method of gaining access to clean.

I agree, privacy when doing business is important to adults and chickens!

You must have missed my post

Seriously, you are the flock master, you decide where they do what they do.
Well, not everything, but this should be a 'trainable' situation.