Pullets laying in weird spots

[abuckingham]

My ISA Browns (at least one, maybe two), started laying eggs this week. They are 14 weeks old, and not supposed to start for another four weeks, so I had not prepared their nesting boxes (I had them covered so they couldn't sleep and poop in there) to train them. After I found the first egg, I purchased layer feed immediately (and oyster shells), and put hay down in the boxes along with golf balls. They are still not laying in the nesting boxes. I found an egg in my garage today (the 4th since Monday), along with a hen crouched in a corner. Her backside was moving (like she was trying to push something out), so I picked her up and put her in the nesting box). I have also taped together a couple of used egg shells and put those in the boxes instead of the golf balls. What else can I do to make her learn to lay in the nesting boxes instead of around the yard???? Please help!

 

[Starburst]

My ISA Browns (at least one, maybe two), started laying eggs this week. They are 14 weeks old, and not supposed to start for another four weeks, so I had not prepared their nesting boxes (I had them covered so they couldn't sleep and poop in there) to train them. After I found the first egg, I purchased layer feed immediately (and oyster shells), and put hay down in the boxes along with golf balls. They are still not laying in the nesting boxes. I found an egg in my garage today (the 4th since Monday), along with a hen crouched in a corner. Her backside was moving (like she was trying to push something out), so I picked her up and put her in the nesting box). I have also taped together a couple of used egg shells and put those in the boxes instead of the golf balls. What else can I do to make her learn to lay in the nesting boxes instead of around the yard???? Please help!

If possible, you could keep them in the coop for a couple of days to train them, but make sure that it's not too hot for them in the coop. (And of course, give them food and water) When I had this problem, I kept them in until the time I was pretty sure they laid, so like 3:00-4:00 in the afternoon. My chickens usually free-range, so they don't like it, but so long your coop isn't too small, hot, and has good ventilation, they should be fine. Hopefully, someone will be along to give you more advice soon.