Shared nesting box

[DawnBryant75]

I have 5 hens and 5 nesting boxes. All 5 hens share the same box. Is this normal? How do I get them to use their own box?
Thanks!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's normal for hens to lay where other hens have laid. You could add fake ceramic eggs to all the nests to get them to use them all. Using just one nest is okay unless you are getting broken eggs.

 

[Iluveggers]

They may choose to do that forever. They may all switch to another one “just because.”

If you want to try to attempt to change their preference, you could put a handful of golf balls or fake wood eggs in a few of the nests. Sometimes seeing other eggs somewhere will get them to want to sit there.

Chickens are funny.

 

[junior67]

I have 3 nest boxes that are separated and when my girls were ramping up their laying there was a line or more than 1 in a box at a time etc. so we built another nest box that is just one large box figuring if they were just going to share they have the space. So far only ONE girl uses the new nest box. haahaa!

but with the other 3 boxes each girl seems to have their favorite box, I have fake eggs in all the boxes, but for the most part certain girls will go to certain boxes and either jump in with another or walk around complaining if someone is in their favorite box when they need to lay even if the other boxes are all empty. so in other words they will do what they want no matter what you do. LOL

 

[nuthatched]

5 hens only need 1-2 nest boxes, they like to gather.

 

[Coops Dad]

LOL so all five take turns? Must be nice...
Yes, that's three in the same box. At the same time. That's a six nest box, too, plus there are four or five other nest boxes for them as well.

 

[Happy hen lover]

I thought I needed a box per bird when I first started too.
I have 11 hens and 3 boxes. One day they all lay in one! Next day all in another, next day all three!?!! Oh and sometimes a random egg while waiting for the fav. box! Now they've taking a liking to making a well in bedding and a few are laying there! I just fill up with bedding and finally covered with a metal grate.
But at least they're laying. Good luck just a thought I put a curtain over half of the opening to make it more private. They seem to like it.

 

[nuthatched]

LOL so all five take turns? Must be nice...
Yes, that's three in the same box. At the same time. That's a six nest box, too, plus there are four or five other nest boxes for them as well.
View attachment 3373986View attachment 3373987

Chickens are plain, unsalted nuts.

 

[Wot The Flock]

For 5 hens, you only need 2-3 nesting boxes. Two is plenty. You can consider a shared larger box arrangement, but it depends on your pecking order.

When they have a favourite box, they have a favourite. I had two boxes for three hens, and if a 'peak hour' rush came on, all three would try to cram into one box.

They will always lay in their preferred spot. And if the nesting box/es are not 'up to scratch', expect 'complaints'. I am integrating new pullets at the moment, so some temporary boxes in the mix. One of the pullets is still not happy with what she was used to (low box, compared to really high box from the breeder). She is the 'ginger whinger' (buff orphington). Ah, she'll just have to get used to what she is offered.

 

[DawnBryant75]

It's normal for hens to lay where other hens have laid. You could add fake ceramic eggs to all the nests to get them to use them all. Using just one nest is okay unless you are getting broken eggs.

I have gotten a couple broken eggs. I’ll give the fake egg a try! Thanks!!