Should I have next boxes in my coop if my chickens are free range?

[3littlechickies]

Hi!

Should I not put a next box in my coop since they won't be in there all day? Should I put some kind of next box outside for them and one in the coop? Or just one outside? My dog might eat eggs so that is why I am asking! Thanks so much!

 

[Krazzy]

i would put nest boxes in the coop. there is a good chance they will return to the coop to lay, but you might also find random egg piles on your property if they are free range.

 

[chippysmom327]

Put your nest boxes in the coop.

Mine are free range, and I just added a new hen to my flock. I sat her in the coop, then let her walk out into the yard. That day when I came home there was an egg in the nest box from her. Mine return to the coop to lay.

ETA: If they are pullets about to lay for the first time, put some plastic eggs (or even some golf balls) in the nest boxes to show the girls that that's a good place to lay.