They keep moving. Help

[carl wagoner]

I've recently (last 2 months) allowed my hens to roam freely about in my backyard. 2 of my 5 continue to lay in the nesting box in their coop. 3, however, have begun to lay in the yard. This is fine, but it seems as soon as I find a little clutch of eggs they will then start laying somewhere else. It's an easter egg hunt every day and I'm not always immediately successful in finding them. Is this moving about typical? Once I remove the eggs from these "wild" nests will they never return? Any suggestions as to how to limit the egg laying locations or encourage them to use the same spots?

 

[carl wagoner]

test

 

[carl wagoner]

test

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Many people keep their hens confined to coop and pen until later in the morning, as many tend to lay their eggs before noon.

 

[devora]

Test test back at ya.

If you remove the eggs most likely they won't go back. It's easier all around to train them to lay in the nestbox.

Lock them in the coop for a week or so until you're sure all of them have laid in the nestbox. Then do as mentioned and keep them in until the afternoon.

Soon you won't have to go hunting for eggs.

 

[karlamaria]

It's like potty training, you must teach them where to lay. Lcck them in the coop and you will get eggs in a nest, put a golf ball in there . They will soon learn to lay in the nest .

 

[carl wagoner]

ok. thanks i'll lock 'em up