Thinking about ripping out current nest boxes

[kalsea]

Seeking wisdom!

I have 22 chickens. Even when I only had 7 they only laid in this 1 box. I built all 4 boxes identically. Tale as old as time- they will only lay in 1 box. And they are FIGHTING. There are lines in the morning. Squabbles about line cutting. It's so loud.

Since they are roll away I can't put ceramic eggs in the other boxes. I was thinking of maybe putting some nest pads in the ones that aren't getting used to lure them? They currently all have super long turf pads.

Should I rip the boxes out and put something else in? Are chickens just gonna chicken no matter what? I'll attach a photo of the line this morning.

 

[Mrs. K]

Maybe glue a fake egg into place on the side of the roll away nests? Fake eggs do help.

I have blocked off the favorite nest so that no one can use it, and they will spread out for a while.

Due note: This is a lady, who put in new bedding, then blocked off corners on the floor to keep them from creating new nests there. I have two or three birds that are determined floor layers, and pretty soon, everyone else will join them.

I have 4 boxes - all identical. After years of this - what will happen, is one day- they quit the favorite, and pick a new favorite... and everyone is standing in line again!

They seriously drive you nuts.

Mrs K

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I have ten nests. Five are milk crates on the floor where they used to lay. Think they use those? Not on your life! I take it back, they do use one. Of the five at waist height, they use exactly ... one! I have 20 hens. I get about a dozen eggs a day. Yeah, chickens are going to chicken. As long as they are willing to stand in line or share, and you don't get broken eggs, I'd say... leave 'em be. Let them be chickens. (I bet it gets noisy, though! )