Two Hens in Laying Box

[DenverBird]

Occasionally I'll find two hens, one on top of the other, in a laying box. Its kind of disturbing to see them crowded into there and makes me wonder what's going on.

Is this unusual and if so, what does it indicate?

If its bad, how do I break them of this habit?

Thanks in advance,

-DB

 

[gritsar]

So long as eggs aren't getting broken, I wouldn't worry about it. I've seen three hens stuffed into one box before. Two side by side, one on top of the other two. How they made it out without breakng eggs, I'll never know.

 

[farmerChef]

I sometimes have two hens that will try and cram into a nest and lay at the same time.

I have 5 hens that all use the same nest, even thought they have 3 to choose from. Sometimes it even seems like they lineup to lay an egg, its like a line for the women's bathroom.

 

[myloveforchickens]

Same here! My girls have about four nests to choose from, and sometimes I'll find two or three in the same nest while the others. They don't seem to break the eggs. Though they do seem to make plenty of egg laying songs when they are crammed in together!

 

[obaan1]

It is neither unusual nor a bad habit. They're just social creatures trying to lay an egg.

 

[arianna]

Some of my hens are doing this all the time, they are new layers and I think they feel more comfortable when they lay together.

 

[Rockin' Reds]

Happens all the time at my coop. Sometimes there will be 3 or more crammed, or trying to cram, in a next box. Nevermind the other 5 nest boxes girls...those are just for decoration...you may only use ONE!

When I collect eggs they will almost always be in that one box as well. Silly girls!!

 

[kuntrygirl]

It's normal.

 

[old geezer]

tune in and turn on the chicken tv--

...coop 1 has 5 hens and 3 nest boxes..eggs found in box 1--eggs found in box 1---0
eggs found in box 2.....7.??
eggs found in box 3.....100 +

 

[Teach97]

this a pic of 4 hens in one box