What if you put a dog house away from the coop?

[tigger19687]

What if you have a tiny coop and you put a dog house away from the coop?

Do you think that they would lay in that but then still roost in the coop?


I ask because my big coop will not be done for a while. The coop I have is small, they free range.
Inside my coop is a roost bar and a platform(about a foot wide, pushed against the wall on 3 sides) about 10-12 inches off the floor. They like to sleep on the platform mostly I think.
I wanted to put another 'house' in the yard for them to go in like a small dog house. They like to go under a chair during the day and don't go in the coop except to sleep or if they have had enough pouring rain.

I was thinking a small dog house but then wondered if they would go lay eggs in it? NOT that I want them to, but just wondering as it is NOT what it is intended for.

I was planning on putting it out away from the coop for when they free range in the front yard. I am usually out there with them but when it is time for me to build the bigger coop I will be in back yard mostly with checking on them here and there.
I may even move it form front to back.

My hens are 16 weeks and don't think they will start to lay yet but you never know. I think 2 are Production Reds so...

 

[Beer can]

If you want them to lay in the dog house put some hay or shavings in it and a couple either golf balls or fake eggs. I've had a duck lay in a old dog house (was wondering where the eggs were going? Lol) and set and hatch them in it.
When your coops done they should transition well to nest boxes.
16 weeks they're probably not ready to lay yet but close.

 

[azygous]

When making decisions about improving coop and run, it helps to understand chicken psychology and their basic needs.

The first thing with chickens is safety and security. They get this need satisfied by feeling familiar and safe with where they sleep at night. This is why they resist change, even when you improve their living quarters. They need time to get used to anything new and different.

Laying eggs is connected to this need for safety and security and familiarity. Sticking a strange, new dog house "away from the coop" is likely to be ignored. I recommend saving yourself the trouble.

Your best bet is to step up your efforts to complete the new coop. You will be facing the challenge of getting your flock to accept it when it comes time to move them in. If you spend a lot of effort in trying to get them to use a new dog house, you're going to be stressing them out again trying to get them to use a new coop when the time comes.