Not using nest boxes

[layinghen8]

My hens just started laying and they are not using the nest box. The lay wherever. Some times in a pile of poop and sometimes out in the middle of the yard. I collect a couple of times a day so the eggs are not sitting in anything to long , but are the eggs ok if they have been in a pile? I wash them right away but I'm concerned that they are absorbing yuck.

I was walking through the yard the other night and stepped on one.

Any suggestions on how can i get them to lay in the nest box.

 

[OHChick]

hi there. try locking them in their coop for a day or two. usually does the trick.

of course mine laid diligently in the nest boxes until recently when they moved to the hay in the barn.

good luck.

 

[hatchcrazzzy]

try puttung fake eggs in the nest