Why do my chickens queue for the nest box

[shellyga]

Love that picture... we just added another group of 4 nest boxes to the original 4.. due to the increased number of mature hens.. I went out today to see two hens sitting side by side in the same box..wish I had the camera.. both were grumbling at each other.. neither giving an inch.. one finally laid her egg and left!

Mine too will favor the same boxes.. I get 12-14 eggs a day right now.. and I usually find them in groups of 3 or 4 per nest...

My challenge right now is battling a "hay bandit".. she goes from nest to nest.. scratches around.. slings hay out.. arrgggg.. I have added a couple of postal boxes with the sides lid taped up..and a smaller entrance to the nest hoping the hay bandit will not be as successful..we shall see

Shelly

 

[markofthebee33]

I have 4 hens and 4 boxes, they use to all lay in the same box now they have all made separate nests and don't even use their box's. Oh well, I'm still getting an egg a day from them all and they all seem very happy. Guess they can lay wherever they want.

 

[Sassafras]

I have 10 hens and they do use all 3 boxes. They do have favorite boxes though.