Poultry Nesting Box Drama? Learn How to Get Hens to Lay Eggs Separately!

When it comes to egg-laying, our feathered friends are quite unpredictable. Hens have a natural instinct to find cozy spots to lay their eggs. But sometimes they choose to lay them all in one place, which can get messy!

Now, how to get hens to lay eggs in separate nests? First of all, provide enough nest boxes. Choose quiet, dark, and elevated locations for the boxes. Line the boxes with soft straw or hay. You should place fake eggs or even golf balls in each nest box and discourage them from undesirable nesting areas!

By following these tips, you can gently train your hens to use separate nest boxes! Prefer to learn more? Let’s dive in!

Why My Hens Not Laying in Their Nesting Boxes?

Frustrated by missing eggs and playing coop detective each morning? There are several reasons why your hens don’t use their designated nesting boxes.

1. There could be not enough nesting boxes. Overcrowding is a mess!
2. Uncomfortable nesting boxes with less space or unclean areas are a problem for chickens to lay eggs.
3. Nesting boxes in brightly lit areas. Hens prefer privacy and a sense of security.
4. They somehow discovered “unauthorized” nesting areas in the coop.
5. Age Matters! Most hens begin laying around 18-20 weeks old.
6. Stress from overcrowding, loud noises, or predators can disrupt egg-laying behavior.
7. Lighting Issues can cause them not to lay eggs as well. Consider using artificial lights on a 14-16 hour light schedule during shorter days.

9 Guides to Get Hens to Lay Eggs in Separate Nests

Chicken laying eggs in random places is a matter of distress! But with proper guides, you can train them to lay eggs in separate nests.

Here’s a guideline for you –

1. Add Enough Nest Boxes

Hens are territorial creatures. Providing enough nest boxes is crucial.

A good rule of thumb is to provide one nest box per 4-5 hens.

However, it’s always best to be careful on the side of caution and offer a few extra, especially if you have a larger flock. Here’s a general guideline for sizing:

• Standard-sized breeds (Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds): 12″ x 12″ x 12″ boxes
• Bantams (Serama, Silkie): 8″ x 12″ x 12″ boxes
• Giant breeds (Brahmas, Cochins): 14″ x 14″ x 14″ boxes ensure each hen has her own “retirement suite” for laying. It reduces competition and promotes a sense of security.

2. Try the Fake Egg Trick

Hens are social creatures and naturally drawn to lay where others already have. Place fake eggs or even golf balls in each nest box. This creates a visual cue that the box is a desirable nesting spot.

3. Block Shady Nesting Spots

Hens often sneak off and lay eggs in hidden corners of the coop.

Nip this behavior in the bud by dismantling these unauthorized nesting spots. Remove any nesting materials they’ve gathered there and make these areas uninviting. You can block off these areas with coop fencing or cardboard to prevent access.

Consider scattering wood shavings or pine needles in these areas. It’s because hens dislike laying on these materials.

4. Create a Light-Controlled Area

Hens prefer to lay eggs in a secluded, dimly lit environment.

Place the nesting boxes in a quiet, naturally darker area of the coop. If possible, position them away from windows or bright lights.

Hang curtains made of breathable fabric (like burlap or canvas) at the entrance of each nesting box. This provides additional privacy and a sense of security for your hens.

Hens don’t like crowded nests. By collecting eggs frequently throughout the day, you prevent a single box from becoming overloaded. It also helps encourage them to explore the other available options.

5. Keep the Nesting Box Clean

A clean nest box is a happy nest box! Regularly remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh straw or hay. A clean environment makes the nesting boxes more attractive for laying.

6. Ensure Privacy

Privacy is key!

Position the nesting boxes in an elevated location. Place the nesting boxes on a raised platform inside the coop. It should create a physical and visual barrier between the hen and the rest of the coop.

7. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can go a long way with chickens! When you find a hen using a nest box, offer her a small treat like a bit of scratch or a dried mealworm. This positive association will encourage her to use the box again.

8. Try Mid-Morning Chicken Releases

Hens are most likely to lay eggs in the afternoon. If you keep them confined in the coop all morning, they will get restless and resort to laying eggs in hidden spots.

Try letting them out into their run for a mid-morning exercise session. Returning them to the coop where they’ll be more likely to use the nesting boxes upon re-entry.

9. Nesting Box Dividers (Optional)

For very large flocks, consider using dividers within the nesting boxes to create even more individual spaces. This is helpful if you have dominant hens who bully others out of a shared nest.

However, dividers may not be necessary for smaller flocks.

Want to get more facts about hens egg laying? See the video of this pretty girl!

Additional Tips to Make Chickens Lay Eggs in Separate Nests

Besides some other tips can help your chicken to lay eggs in the nesting box. Here are those –

• Ensure the nesting box has soft materials
• You can add fresh herbs near the nesting box. For example – chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm.
• Hanging curtains in the nesting box ensures privacy.
• Keeping ceramic eggs for a week is a wise choice.

Do two hens lay eggs in one nest box at the same time?

Yes, two hens can lay eggs in the same nest box together.

It’s better to have one nest box for every 4-5 chickens to give them enough room. If there are too many chickens and not enough space, they can share a nest box.

Related Reads:

• 11 Must-Do’s for Chickens in Winter Time!
• Chicken Harness Training Tips

FAQs

Have more questions about hens laying behavior? See the following Q&A section if it helps you out!

Conclusion

Well, now you’re all set to tackle any nesting box drama in your poultry coop! Remember, provide enough nest boxes, and create a cozy and private environment. Also, using some tricks like fake eggs can encourage your hens to lay eggs separately.

Keep an eye on your flock, offer positive reinforcement, and maintain cleanliness. It’s to ensure they continue using their designated nesting boxes. With a little patience and some clever strategies, you’ll have your hens laying eggs in their nests.