One of the most exciting moments in backyard chicken keeping is discovering your first egg! If you’ve experienced it, you know the thrill. When our girls started laying, it was early spring, and they were still mostly cooped up. But then, out of nowhere, Coco laid her first egg right on the floor—and I couldn’t have cared less because I was so excited!
After that, I started researching nesting boxes and decided to invest in a fancy metal roll-out box. It seemed like the perfect choice at the time. But as any seasoned chicken keeper will tell you, chickens often have their own ideas about where they want to lay!
The Nesting Box Struggle
Even though my chickens have a spacious outdoor run, they usually lay their eggs inside the coop. But here’s the kicker—they hardly ever used the fancy roll-out box I bought! Looking back, I wish I had kept it simple and saved some money.
I also have friends who have struggled with hens laying eggs in random places—sometimes turning daily egg collection into an egg hunt. No, thank you!
If you’re dealing with the same issue, don’t worry. Here are some simple and effective tips to encourage your hens to lay in their nesting boxes.
Tips to Get Chickens to Lay in Nesting Boxes
1. Make the Nesting Box Inviting
Hens prefer a safe, quiet, and comfortable place to lay their eggs. Here’s how you can create the perfect environment:
- Soft Bedding – Use straw, pine shavings, or nesting pads for comfort.
- Dark & Cozy – Chickens like privacy, so position the boxes in a darker, quieter corner of the coop.
- Correct Height – Boxes should be 18-24 inches off the ground but lower than roosting perches to prevent sleeping inside them.
2. Use Fake Eggs or Golf Balls
Placing ceramic eggs, plastic eggs, or even golf balls in the nesting boxes can trick your hens into laying there. Seeing “eggs” in the boxes signals to them that it’s a safe place to lay.
3. Keep Nesting Boxes Clean
Chickens won’t lay in a dirty or smelly nesting area. Clean the boxes regularly, removing old bedding and adding fresh materials to keep them inviting.
4. Collect Eggs Frequently
Leaving eggs in the boxes too long can lead to egg-eating habits or cause hens to lay elsewhere. Collect eggs at least twice a day to encourage continued use.
5. Block Off Favorite “Wrong” Spots
If your hens are laying in the wrong places, try blocking off those areas temporarily to redirect them to the nesting boxes. You can use:
- Chicken wire
- Upside-down buckets
- Wooden barriers
6. Introduce Nesting Boxes Early
If you have young pullets, introduce them to nesting boxes before they start laying. This helps them get used to the boxes before developing bad habits.
7. Avoid Stress & Disruptions
Hens are creatures of habit, and stress can affect their laying habits. Keep them calm and comfortable by:
- Minimizing loud noises
- Ensuring a consistent routine
- Keeping their coop and run predator-proof
If I could go back, I’d skip the expensive roll-out box and stick to something simple and cozy. At the end of the day, hens just want a quiet, comfortable place to lay their eggs.
By following these easy tips, you can guide your flock to lay in the right spot—saving yourself from unexpected egg hunts!
And if your hens are still stubborn? Just remember, chickens love to keep us on our toes!
FAQ’s
Why won’t my chickens lay eggs in their nesting boxes?
Chickens may avoid nesting boxes if they are not comfortable, too exposed, dirty, or if they have already formed a habit of laying elsewhere. Providing soft bedding, fake eggs, and a quiet environment can help.
How can I encourage my hens to use nesting boxes?
Make the nesting boxes inviting by keeping them clean, adding soft bedding, placing fake eggs inside, and ensuring they are in a quiet, dark location. Collecting eggs frequently also helps.
What type of bedding should I use in a nesting box?
Straw, pine shavings, nesting pads, or shredded paper work well as bedding. Soft and clean bedding makes the nesting box more comfortable for laying.
How high should nesting boxes be placed?
Nesting boxes should be about 18-24 inches off the ground but lower than the roosting bars to prevent chickens from sleeping in them.
Can I train my chickens to lay in nesting boxes?
Yes! Introducing young pullets to nesting boxes before they start laying, blocking off unwanted laying spots, and using fake eggs can train them to lay in the right place.
How many nesting boxes do I need for my flock?
A good rule of thumb is one nesting box for every 4-5 hens. However, even with multiple boxes, chickens may prefer just one or two favorite spots.
