Only Laying In One Nesting Box

[ccoscina]

So I have three nesting boxes in my coop, all right next to each other on the same level. They a separated by wooden barriers. For some strange reason all of my chickens always lay in the same nesting box, all the way to the right. There were rare exceptions to this, and if I put fake eggs in the other boxes then a couple of the hens would use other boxes. I removed the fake eggs though because it made Broody Girl try to hatch eggs for a few weeks straight, even though the eggs were not fertilized and i had to hand feed her every day to prevent starvation. The most strange thing about it is that even if multiple birds want to lay at the same time they just pile on top of each other in the same nesting box. Sometimes there can be as Manu as 3 chickens in one nesting box. The other boxes are there but they would rather have a chicken party in just one box.

Any insight into why they do this? It doesn't really bother me much, I actually think it's kind of hilarious but it has stirred up my curiosity as to why this phenomenon occurs.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

So I have three nesting boxes in my coop, all right next to each other on the same level. They a separated by wooden barriers. For some strange reason all of my chickens always lay in the same nesting box, all the way to the right. There were rare exceptions to this, and if I put fake eggs in the other boxes then a couple of the hens would use other boxes. I removed the fake eggs though because it made Broody Girl try to hatch eggs for a few weeks straight, even though the eggs were not fertilized and i had to hand feed her every day to prevent starvation. The most strange thing about it is that even if multiple birds want to lay at the same time they just pile on top of each other in the same nesting box. Sometimes there can be as Manu as 3 chickens in one nesting box. The other boxes are there but they would rather have a chicken party in just one box.

Any insight into why they do this? It doesn't really bother me much, I actually think it's kind of hilarious but it has stirred up my curiosity as to why this phenomenon occurs.

This happened to me too. It’s pretty simple, they prefer that nesting box, over the others. I don’t know why chickens do this, but they usually like one over the other. As of right now, my chickens use about 2 of 3 chicken nesting boxes, and there is usually only 1 chicken Laying an egg at a. Time. (I used to have chickens who would fight over a NESTING BOX). Hope I helped, have a great day!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They feel that that nesting box is the safest one.

 

[swamphiker]

Mine do this as well; I haven't been able to figure out why either. The nest boxes are right next to one another and look identical to me. I have added a golf ball to encourage them to lay in the less favored one, which only seems to work sometimes. Gotta love chickens!

 

[Callender Girl]

Add me to the list of people whose hens ignore identical nest boxes to wage war over a single box. It's not unheard of to come out and find hens perched on top of each other in one box -- while all the adjacent boxes are empty.

Recently, my Cochin girls have decided to wait in line. However, the wait is punctuated by what can best be described as chickens "screams" as they "encourage" their sisters to work faster and get out of the way!

 

[ccoscina]

Add me to the list of people whose hens ignore identical nest boxes to wage war over a single box. It's not unheard of to come out and find hens perched on top of each other in one box -- while all the adjacent boxes are empty.

Recently, my Cochin girls have decided to wait in line. However, the wait is punctuated by what can best be described as chickens "screams" as they "encourage" their sisters to work faster and get out of the way!

My girls don't fight over the nesting boxes they like snuggling up together. Maybe because it's cold.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Some hens are more willing to share nexlst boxes than others. Consider yourself lucky they seem to be willing. Mine would apparently rather lose a flock mate than let her in while the box is occupied unless it's literally specific chickens

 

[booklover]

my hens do the same, though my nest boxes are big enough to fit three comfortably.
they prefer the one furthest from the door and most out of sight, and leave the other three mostly untouched with a few exceptions. they pick whichever is darkest, cleanest, and safest-feeling and refuse to lay in the others.

 

[ccoscina]

my hens do the same, though my nest boxes are big enough to fit three comfortably.
they prefer the one furthest from the door and most out of sight, and leave the other three mostly untouched with a few exceptions. they pick whichever is darkest, cleanest, and safest-feeling and refuse to lay in the others.

Mine also prefer to be furthest from the door

 

[ccoscina]

Some hens are more willing to share nexlst boxes than others. Consider yourself lucky they seem to be willing. Mine would apparently rather lose a flock mate than let her in while the box is occupied unless it's literally specific chickens

Well I always tell my girls that I want my girls to be good girls not naughty girls and that they gotta play nice with each other.