When they become old enough to lay?

[crooked stripe]

When a hen starts to lay will she automatically go to the nest box? I have read about people putting golf balls in the nest boxes to get them to lay in there. Would it be a good idea to put some golf balls in the boxes a few weeks before they start to lay? The nest box problems I read about are some what troubling to me. I want to avoid any problems before they start. John

 

[DTchickens]

Hens usually go to the nest box (If. they are in a pen.). just make sure it has some hay in it. or something soft. and she should lay in it. If she doesn't whatever eggs she lays on the ground. put in the nest box. or you could try golf balls. golf balls are also a Defence against chicken snakes. they'll slither up into the nest and eat the golf ball. but wont be able to digest it. so they end up dying.

 

[rebeccakeesee]

I have a few older pullets That I purchased a few weeks agobout 18 wks old. My pecking order has been established and all are happy and healthy but I am still waiting patiently for that first egg. My dom females comb will turn red then fade in only a few moments notice. As if part of her mood. Is this a sign of eggs to come? They seem over due as my girls are rather large. 1 black star, 1 production red , 3 smaller babies bout 8-10 weeks.

 

[paynemom]

My first girl started laying last week, not in the nest box. She always lays on the ground in a nest of feathers. I have to crawl into the coop to reach them. Nasty. Now the other two girls are laying in the same spot. I am gonna try the golf ball technique, but don't want to waste any of my eggs yet since they just started laying. Good luck. Write back if you have any luck.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

She always lays on the ground in a nest of feathers. I have to crawl into the coop to reach them. Nasty.

This makes me happy that our coop is BIG! LOL​