Only using 1 nesting box

[bdolman]

Hi, I have 5 hens and 5 nesting boxes. I'm new to BYC and have noticed that they only use 1 box- the one closest to the hen door. Is this normal? I don't want to start a pecking order problem, but can't imagine a way to change their ways.

 

[XxMingirlxX]

Yes, using only one nesting box is absolutely normal. As a rule of thumb, hens need about one nesting box per 4 laying hens however, that doesn't mean they will stick to that rule! My hens have a favourite nesting box and will only go in the others if it is occupied by the head hen (otherwise they will share!).

There is no reason to change their ways, it is totally fine.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - great to have you join us. As mentioned - its perfectly normal and regardless of our best intentions, they will please themselves.

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens like to lay where another hen has laid eggs. They think that is the preferred place to lay them. If you had several identical nest boxes, they'd still prefer the one some other hen is using. Sometimes you will see a line of hens waiting to get their turn. Impatient ones will often lay their egg on top of the hen that is already there. Chickens don't know the meaning of logic.

 

[XxMingirlxX]

 Chickens like to lay where another hen has laid eggs.  They think that is the preferred place to lay them.  If you had several identical nest boxes, they'd still prefer the one some other hen is using. Sometimes you will see a line of hens waiting to get their turn.  Impatient ones will often lay their egg on top of  the hen that is already there. Chickens don't know the meaning of logic.

It's a funny thing to see in a morning when you see your chickens queueing to lay! One of my hens waits on the perch until the head hen has laid, but sometimes she can't hold it and lays it under the perch. D'oh!

 

[N F C]

There's nothing out of the ordinary with your girls all wanting to use the same nesting box. With 4 boxes to choose from, our girls will all choose to lay in just 1 of them. Then periodically, that favorite box will change to be a different box. Who knows the mind of a chicken?

 

[bdolman]

Thanks for replying! It's good to know it's normal. I'm still getting the hang of chickens, but loving it so far!