Will Keeping Chickens in Coop & Run Encourage Egg Laying?

[FountainCityCottage]

For several reasons, I am now limiting my small backyard flock’s free ranging time and am instead keeping them mostly in their coop and attached run. Does keeping chickens penned up (and closer to their nest boxes) encourage egg laying?

 

[so lucky]

No. But if they are free ranging and not close to the nest box, they might decide to lay somewhere you wouldn't find.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

I agree.
Young pullets will lay when they’re ready to lay.
fake eggs/golf balls in the nest boxes Will help show them Where to lay.

 

[PirateGirl]

It will not encourage laying, but it will encourage laying in the best spots.

 

[aart]

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.