Younger hens laying eggs in wrong spots

[SunnyClucks]

I have a flock of 9 not free range. 6 of those girls just started laying last fall. I have two large nesting boxes for the flock. Some of the 6 have decided to lay eggs up on a high corner roost ok but not ideal. But some are leaving them on the ground below the roost, meaning they get very poopy. Any better suggestions to get everybody laying in boxes?

 

[Asha_Gail]

Any better suggestions to get everybody laying in boxes?

I've used fake eggs to train my pullets to lay in the boxes. It hasn't always worked for me but I usually have better luck that way! Also making sure the nesting boxes have some form of nesting material in them helps. My hens will avoid boxes that have less bedding in them. I use straw and sometimes hay if I'm too lazy to go grab some straw. I've heard of others using wood shavings or special mats to put it the boxes too!

 

[SunnyClucks]

I've used fake eggs to train my pullets to lay in the boxes. It hasn't always worked for me but I usually have better luck that way! Also making sure the nesting boxes have some form of nesting material in them helps. My hens will avoid boxes that have less bedding in them. I use straw and sometimes hay if I'm too lazy to go grab some straw. I've heard of others using wood shavings or special mats to put it the boxes too!

I will try fake eggs, for some reason may of my girls kick out or pick out the shavings in thier boxes..

 

[Asha_Gail]

I will try fake eggs, for some reason may of my girls kick out or pick out the shavings in thier boxes..

Mine do too! I think they like to make the nest area "theirs" to some degree. I usually stuff some more straw in about every two weeks. Good luck, I hope your chickens get the memo!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Could you post a photo of your nest? It might help us.

How long have they been laying under the roost?

I will try fake eggs, for some reason may of my girls kick out or pick out the shavings in thier boxes..

It is possible the lip on it is too short. I solves the problem by adding a couple of inches to the lip to make it harder for them to scratch the bedding out.