unused nesting box

[Judy Kay]

I have 3 chickens that are all laying nicely. Their coop has 2 nesting boxes side by side. However, they all three use just one of them. Sometimes I'll look in and there will be 2 hens stuffed into one box. What is their problem? Can I make the other box more enticing or just live with it? I plan on getting 3 more chickens. Should I add more nesting boxes? It is going to get crowded in there with 3 hens using one box.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's just what they do.
I had 10 hens in a building with 4 boxes. They used 2. I have 7 in another building and they use 1. 8 in another building and they use just one. And so on down the line.

 

[Bridebeliever]

Yes, chickens are just ridiculous like that! I have 11 hens, 6 nesting boxes and they use 3. If one is in use that another hen wants she paces back and forth complaining until she gets THAT box!

 

[Nasnro]

Hens will do that(There a bit odd) always better to have more than needed. Make sure that they are all dark(try nesting box curtains) and make sure they are nice and cozy. Just remember hens are a bit odd so don't be worried.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They are creatures of habit and if another hen thought that place was safe, then it must be a safe place for the others.