why are chickens not laying eggs in nest box

[trunkman]

I had one hen who laid her egg on the coop floor but in the same spot every day. She was the first pullet to start laying, when the others started to lay they layed in the nest boxes, she was the only one that layed on the floor. After about 3 weeks she stopped laying on the floor and layed in the next boxes. I think she learned from the others. It's been about 3 months since I've had an egg on the floor..

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quote:
Sleeping in the nest boxes usually means the roosts aren't sufficiently higher than the boxes. And you don't want eggs laid in boxes that have been slept in.

 

[eggbuster]

They are trying to tell you something. Put the golf balls in, but also put some nest boxes on the floor. I had a few hens that were laying under the cow mangers and in the horse box corners so I recreated similar spots in the coop and they immediately started laying there. Some hens prefer ground nests, some like em' low and others high. They want private but they also want to see what is happening around them. If they persist in not laying in the boxes, there is something wrong with them according to hen psychology 101. Remember, chickens don't read the same books we do. I have quite a hodge podge of nest boxes now in order to keep everyone happy.

I am really starting to like the large stacking bins (like office trays) as I can make all kinds of configurations from the ground up. A single screw into the wall holds them from tipping and if a hen goes broody, I just remove her, bin and all, and replace the bin with an empty one. Off she goes in the nest she made for herself without ever having to disturb her. If I don't need so many in one coop they can be transferred to another or used for storage in the house and garage with a bit of a scrub. Multiple use equipment is much more cost effective.

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
I don't know if this is your situation, but often when chickens choose to sleep in their nest boxes rather than on their roosts it's because the roosts aren't high enough. They need to feel safe from predators when they sleep, so will seek the highest and safest place to do so.

 

[Nette114]

I had one hen who laid her egg on the coop floor but in the same spot every day. She was the first pullet to start laying, when the others started to lay they layed in the nest boxes, she was the only one that layed on the floor. After about 3 weeks she stopped laying on the floor and layed in the next boxes. I think she learned from the others. It's been about 3 months since I've had an egg on the floor..

I also have one who lays her eggs on the ground and the rest of them smash them before I get them. One actually follows her around. Only one lays so far, so her eggs are like gold around here.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Obviously you need to have a good talk with them and explain how you made these great boxes for them to lay in....
Also try making it uncomfortable other places, block off corners and dark areas make the boxes appealing. I know nothing, my girls are not laying yet-/: