Nesting Box 101: Encouraging Your Hens to Lay in the Right Place

So, you've joined the ranks of us backyard chicken keepers, enjoying the fresh air, the clucking symphony, and of course, the reward of delicious, home-laid eggs. But then it happens – you discover an egg, not nestled comfortably in the nesting box, but abandoned on the cold, hard floor. Frustrating? Absolutely. A sign of a bigger problem?  Possibly.  

Don't worry, you're not alone. Floor or “ground-laid” eggs are a common issue faced by many flock owners and something that we hear about quite often at Talking Hens. Let's delve into the reasons behind this perplexing behaviour and, more importantly, explore some practical solutions to encourage your chooks to lay where they should.

Understanding the Root of the Problem

Hens, despite their occasional quirks, aren't deliberately trying to make your life difficult. Their reasons for laying on the floor often stem from instinct, environmental factors, or even simple confusion.  Here are some key culprits:

1 - Nesting Box Aversion: Believe it or not, hens can be quite picky about their preferred laying spot.  If the nesting boxes are:

• Too high: Hens, especially some of heavier breeds like our Sussex, Marans and Australorp can find it physically challenging to jump into a high nesting box.
• Too small or crowded: A cramped nesting box can make hens feel stressed and claustrophobic, leading them to seek alternative laying locations.
• Dirty or infested: Hens are naturally (relatively), hygienic creatures and will avoid nesting boxes that are soiled with manure or harbour parasites like mites or lice.
• Poorly lit: Hens prefer dimly lit, secluded spaces for laying. A nesting box that's too bright or exposed can often deter them.

2 - Lack of Early Training: Just like any good student, hens benefit from early education. If pullets (young hens), aren't properly trained to use nesting boxes from a young age, they may develop a preference for laying elsewhere. I call this stage “orientation” and it’s that crucial first few weeks before they have settled into their egg-laying rhythm.

3 - Stress and Disruption: Hens thrive on routine and predictability.  Sudden changes in their environment, such as:

• Introduction of new flock members: Newcomers can disrupt the pecking order and cause stress, leading to behavioural changes.
• Loud noises or predators: External stressors can make hens feel unsafe and less likely to use their designated nesting areas.
• Changes in weather or daylight hours: Hens are sensitive to environmental shifts, and extreme temperatures or fluctuations in daylight can impact their laying habits.

4 - Medical Conditions: In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as egg-related issues or infections, can contribute to floor eggs. If you suspect a health problem, give us a call to see if we might be able to help or ask us for a good veterinarian contact in your area who understands poultry.

Turning the Tide: Practical Solutions for Backyard Keepers

Now that we've identified the potential causes, let's explore some practical, backyard-friendly solutions to encourage your hens to lay in their nesting boxes:

Optimise Nesting Box Appeal:

• Location, Location, Location: Place nesting boxes in a quiet, dimly lit area of the coop, away from high-traffic areas and distractions.
• The Right Size Matters: Ensure nesting boxes are large enough for your hens to comfortably turn around and lay their eggs. A good rule of thumb is the size of an A3 sheet of paper which will accommodate even the largest of breeds.
• Keep it Clean and Fresh: Regularly clean nesting boxes when there’s been any sign of manure. Use antibacterial, absorbent and comfortable nesting options like hemp rather than longer, harder and sharper traditional materials such as straw or hay.

Early Laying Education:

• Introduce Nesting Boxes Early: Provide nesting boxes for your pullets several weeks before they start laying, allowing them to become familiar with the space.
• Entice Them In: Place fake nesting eggs in each nesting box to pique their interest and mimic the presence of other eggs.
• Don’t let hens ever sleep in the nesting boxes as you don’t want manure to come into contact with eggs. Remove any nest sleepers after dark when they have settled in for the night or block the entrance to the nest box before dusk. 

Minimise Stress and Disruption:

• Gradual Introductions: When introducing new hens to the flock, do so gradually and in a controlled manner to minimise stress and potential conflict. We have hard copy information in the Talking Hens shop that will guide you through the process.
• Predator Protection: Ensure your coop and run are secure from predators, providing your hens with a sense of safety and security.
• Routine is Key: Maintain a consistent daily routine, including letting your hens out at the same time each day to free-range helps reduce stress and promote predictability.

Diet and Nutrition:

• Calcium is Crucial: Ensure your hens are receiving adequate calcium in their diet, as this is essential for strong eggshells and overall health. Our Sustainable Layer contains 4.6% calcium with 4% being sufficient for the best egg-laying breeds. Offer calcium-rich supplements like shell grit or crushed baked, crushed eggshells to hens older than 18-months of age.
• Balanced Diet: Provide a complete and balanced layer feed such as Sustainable Layer that meets their complete and total nutritional needs.

Seek Good Advice:

When in doubt, give us a call at Talking Hens to troubleshoot any issue that you might have. In the many years that we have been involved with backyard chickens, we have heard and seen of a wide range of different issues. Some have been simple to fix and others not so. If you are very concerned about your chicken, the best course of action is to consult a Vet experienced in the care of poultry. Many vets aren’t very experience with poultry so ask us for recommendations in your area.

Patience and Persistence are Key

Remember, changing your hens' behaviour takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. By consistently implementing these strategies and closely observing your flock, you'll be well on your way to reducing floor eggs and enjoying the fruits of your hens' labour in their rightful place – the nesting box!