Not using Nesting Boxes

[ali d 1985]

The bedding is needed in the nesting box to cushion the egg so it doesn't crack when being laid. I don't know how cold it is where you are, but most chickens do fine in cold weather. (I'd look more into the cold weather and chicken thing, I don't know much about that)

Thank you, its dropping to about 5'c at night. At the moment. X

 

[mtnchicken]

I have tried the golf ball method as well, but it doesn't seem to be working. Is this because my chickens lay brown eggs? I just placed a brown egg shaped rock in the nesting box, but my hen (she has only been laying three days and is laying in a corner of the coop instead of the box) went and inspected it, sat there for a bit, then decided it wasn't for her before again laying in the corner.

She made a little nest in the corner which I messed up hoping she would go to the box ,but that didn't help either. Any suggestions? Maybe I just move today's egg into the nesting box? How long can I leave it there and still be able to eat it - we waited so long for eggs, I don't want to lose one!