Won't lay in boxes

[Tracyree]

So frustrated. My 10 hens have 4 nest boxes. For years they've laid in them. Nothing scary happened that I know of, but this season they refuse to lay in the boxes. They lay in the floor and drive me bonkers. I've tried fake eggs in the boxes, blocking them from where they lay in floor.... They just find a new spot on the floor. Ideas?

 

[pfields]

Could there be mites in the boxes?

 

[copper2]

There must be something irritating them, is there anything unusual?

 

[pfields]

Mites were the first thing I thought of. What do you have in their nest boxes?

Have your tried taking out all the stuff in their nest, spraying a safe pesticide and then refilling nests with new shavings?

 

[copper2]

Or straw?

 

[pfields]

Yes, whatever you use but fresh. I prefer shavings myself. They are inexpensive, go a long way and smell so good.

 

[copper2]

Isn't pine shavings poisonous?

 

[pfields]

It's cedar not pine. Pine is okay.

 

[Tracyree]

No mites. Pine shavings and I've checked for mites

 

[aart]

How many years have they laid in the nests they are now rejecting?

Have you added to the flock this year?