not laying in nest boxes

[Stualy]

We have 6 beautiful ladies and 6 boxes. Our hens started laying about 3 weeks ago. I found one egg in one nest box. Since then, I am finding them on the floor of the coop and outside in their run. How do I get them to use their nesting boxes?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you have fake ceramic eggs in your boxes to show them it's a safe place?

It's not unusual for new layers to drop eggs in unusual places. Many don't know what is happening initially. They will figure it out, especially if you have those fake eggs in the boxes.

 

[Stualy]

I do not have fake eggs. I can get some. Thank you.

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome to BYC. Tell us a bit about your nest boxes? Pics? What are you using for bedding? Where are they located, size????

 

[Stualy]

They are wood boxes. You may be able to see a couple, in my profile pic. We use straw for bedding. I can send a better pic, if needed.

 

[Patinas]

Since you said you find them outside their run I'm assuming you let them free range? If you're letting them out early in the day, try keeping them in until late afternoon, like 3-4 PM and see if they will use the boxes.

I have a flock of 20 that free range but I've only found one egg outside and that was more than 2 weeks ago. I see my hens head for the coop if they need to lay. I leave the coop door open for them when they are free ranging. I also don't let them out until late afternoon because the majority of eggs are laid from about 8 AM to 3PM.

Also, if you can catch one trying to lay that is not a nest box, put her in there. I only had to do that one time with my first layer in the flock and the rest followed her lead.

 

[RiverviewHen]

Since you said you find them outside their run I'm assuming you let them free range? If you're letting them out early in the day, try keeping them in until late afternoon, like 3-4 PM and see if they will use the boxes.

I have a flock of 20 that free range but I've only found one egg outside and that was more than 2 weeks ago. I see my hens head for the coop if they need to lay. I leave the coop door open for them when they are free ranging. I also don't let them out until late afternoon because the majority of eggs are laid from about 8 AM to 3PM.

Also, if you can catch one trying to lay that is not a nest box, put her in there. I only had to do that one time with my first layer in the flock and the rest followed her lead.

I keep mine up until late afternoon as well. I generally let the out at 4

 

[lazy gardener]

Your boxes are on the white shelf behind the pullet who is standing on the white shelf? The design and lay out may be part of the issue. Chickens like closed in, dark, and private spaces. IMO, your nest boxes are too "open" for their liking. If you are using shavings as box bedding, try giving them a nice thick layer of hay. Girls like to fluff their nest, and fiddle around with the hay.

 

[aart]

The straw in the 'open' nests might be fine....try some fake eggs/golf balls for sure.

 

[Patinas]

Your boxes are on the white shelf behind the pullet who is standing on the white shelf? The design and lay out may be part of the issue. Chickens like closed in, dark, and private spaces.

That's a good point! I hadn't really looked at the photo but now that you mentioned it, that certainly could be part of the problem. Interior of my coop is white but I painted the inside of the boxes dark brown and made each of them the appropriate size. I was actually worried that they might be afraid to go in them but that's not the case.