Shared nesting box

[DawnBryant75]

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

Yes my girls do the same! It’s funny to watch sometimes! I’m gonna give the fake egg thing a try! Thanks!!

 

[DawnBryant75]

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.

My girls crack me up!

 

[DawnBryant75]

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]

From what I am able to tell and see, my girl “wait in line” and there is only one in the box at a time. I’m gonna try the fake egg trick to see what happens. If they continue to share so be it.

 

[DawnBryant75]

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.
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Yes mine take turns, it’s funny to watch them complain and pace while waiting!

 

[DawnBryant75]

Chickens are plain, unsalted nuts.
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Yes, mine actually take turns. I guess I’ve got a bunch of rare ones

 

[DawnBryant75]

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.

I guess they will just be happy doing things their way. Mine will “wait in line” for this favorite box. I’m not sure why they picked the one they did tho. Too funny!

 

[Happy Novogens]

I also have 5 laying pullets. They have 2 nestboxes but only use one.

 

[Wot The Flock]

Part of the 'chicken psychology' I think is to lay where they know is a proven 'safe place' (even though I swoop in and nick the eggs often).

But, I saw one of the new pullets (lowest in pecking order), get a fake egg from a second offered box, and roll it out of the box (not actually making it to rolling it into the preferred box).

Then, in 'tales of the pullets', the 'ginger whinger' (Buff Orp) who would only lay in the preferred box, decided she would lay in the larger box today. Go figure. Where as the giant Columbian Wyandotte decided she would squish herself into the smaller preferred box (even though she laid at 8:45pm the night before - I have never had a hen lay that late, ever).

Ultimately, they will just go for the best looking available spot. And pullets are teenagers without much of a clue.