Why not just let them lay on the ground?

[Salt and Light]

This may be stupid, but why not just let them lay their eggs on the soft ground?

 

[ChickenToes]

When some of my hens first started laying they laid them on the ground or the floor of the coop. I don't have a problem with them laying on the ground, except that I had to watch where I was stepping.

But I did notice a few things that make me glad they've all begun to lay in the nesting boxes - eggs laid on the ground get dirty, stepped on, pecked at, broken, and rolled all over the place.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
That's why nestboxes are a good idea. The eggs are safe there.

 

[katrinag]

As the above poster said, it helps keep them clean and out of harms way. I know I sure do like just going to the nesting boxes and getting my eggs instead of looking for them all over the ground.