Why don't my hens lay in the same place?

[goosegal]

I have 10 hens, 2 are not laying yet, 2 are broody and the others are laying their eggs ALL OVER THE PLACE. I cannot find the nests. They tend to choose one place to lay eggs and I leave one in so that they come back but eventually they find another location and start laying there. I have 2 sets of laying boxes - both elevated and both with fake eggs in them. Currently one gal is sitting on a clutch in the far right box and no one is taking up the other 2 spaces. It seems they don't find these boxes to their liking and will lay on the ground or in odd places.

Are there any suggestions for steering my gals to a safe and consistent laying location?

 

[chicmom]

Hello-

Is your hen house dimly lit? I've found hens like a shady place to lay their eggs. Also, to get them on the right track, I don't let my girls out to free range until two hours before dark. Laying is done by then, so then I know there are no hidden nests outside.

Often, you can have six nesting boxes, but the girls all prefer one particular box, and they will literally wait in line or lay on top of eachother to have their turn at laying in this favorite box. LOL It's silly, but it's very common.

 

[goosegal]

Thanks Chicmom - LOL yes I have seen and heard the queue for the favorite box. I have seen them double up and have two laying at a time. But then somehow that box becomes not so favorite any more which I don't understand. Both of my box sets (3 nests each) are in dimly lit, shaded, quiet areas (away from each other too) but the girls find the darndest places that become their new favorite. On the floor in the garage was one. We wondered why our dog decided to nap in the garage then all of sudden saw her slowly walking out with an egg in her mouth one day which clued us into the new egg spot.

I have the fake eggs, and i leave real eggs too. Not sure what to do??

 

[chicmom]

You really have to restrict them to the coop in the morning hours......My coop has an attached run, but it's sunny out there, so they will go back in and lay in the coop.

Are you able to restrict them to a certain area, or do they always free range and have full run of the property?

 

[goosegal]

I keep them in my coop at night but they free range and forage all day. I'm going to put mini cams on all of them and see where they are hiding their eggs. (LOL)

 

[cutiepie960]

goosegal i am having the same problem starting 2 day, My girl resumed laying again & it was all fine she laying in our yard but 2 day my roo kept callling & calling so i went outside and found she was gone! And i know around this time she lays she is a wild feral hen & she & my roo are free rangers all day & my biggest FEAR is that she is leaving our yard to lay elsewhere & i DON'T WANT ANY BABIES WHATSOEVER!!! She finally came home but the problem is where is she laying!!! HELP!!