What are nest boxes actually for?

[Wyandotte34]

I was just wondering if they are merely for the convenience of the person, or do they serve some other purpose? Mine seem content to lay on the floor. I even put some eggs in the boxes to maybe get them started but they kicked them out and started to lay on the floor again.

 

[Judy]

Supposedly they encourage them to lay indoors, in one place, so you don't have to hunt for eggs. And of course, protect the eggs, to some extent. Supposedly.

I wouldn't give up yet; they aren't really mature for some months, even a year, after the first egg.

Mine are well over a year, some over two, and they mostly lay in the nests -- but I also find the odd egg on the floor, under the roost, etc.

 

[Schultz]

Quote:
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[Wyandotte34]

Ah, yes well that does make sense then. Mine just started to lay.

 

[gryeyes]

Pullets and hens WILL eventually make nests in which to lay their eggs, whether they sit on them or not. Young pullets haven't quite got it all together, yet. More mature layers hollow out nest depressions in the coop bedding, or outside wherever they decide they'd like to lay eggs.

So, we provide the nest boxes to have a regular place to gather eggs (our convenience), to give the hens privacy and security whilst laying, and to protect the eggs from foot traffic - all those chicken feet running around, hopping down off roosts, and suchlike.

 

[saxet]

That makes sense, and I think it even applies to ducks. Mine would lay in the pond, for crying out loud, the first year. Whereever they got the urge. It progressed to nice nests, though they did like to play musical nests on me.