Stupid hens that lay in the dirt!

[aart]

Are you sure there's no pests in the nest?...never mind you probably are sure.
Are they pullets new to laying? probably not.
Maybe upset with the move to the pen?
Maybe try straw instead of shavings?

Maybe put some 'clean' dirt in there?

 

[ladycat]

Are you sure there's no pests in the nest?...never mind you probably are sure.
Are they pullets new to laying? probably not.
Maybe upset with the move to the pen?
Maybe try straw instead of shavings?

Maybe put some 'clean' dirt in there?

No pests. They haven't been laying very long but they've been in that pen for several months.

I did think of straw, I just haven't figured out how to get hold of some.

It usually isn't that "dirty" on the ground, but it's been raining every day, which is extremely unusual here. I know we've been in severe drouth, but sheesh, please rain everywhere BUT the chicken pens!

 

[Free Feather]

Straw is a good idea. Perhaps since they do not have an actual coop, they feel safe in the whole pen and kind of think of it as their communal nest.