How to Encourage Your Hens to Lay in Nesting Boxes (2025)
Oh, those chickens! One minute they’re clucking contentedly, the next they’re laying eggs in the most unexpected places – like the dog’s bed or the flower pot! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably experienced the frustration (and let’s be honest, the amusement) of finding eggs scattered throughout your backyard instead of neatly tucked away in their nesting boxes.
But don’t worry, fellow chicken keeper, you’re not alone! With a little understanding of chicken behavior and some simple strategies, you can encourage your feathered friends to lay where you want them to.
Why Nesting Boxes Matter
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of training your hens, let’s talk about why using nesting boxes is so important in the first place.
- Clean Eggs: Nesting boxes provide a clean, dedicated space for egg laying, reducing the chances of your eggs getting dirty, stepped on, or even becoming a tasty snack for a passing dog. This is especially important if you plan on eating those eggs yourself or sharing them with friends and family.
- Predator Protection: A secure nesting box offers some protection from predators like snakes or rats who might be looking for an easy meal.
- Easier Egg Collection: Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their morning crawling through bushes or digging through the hay to find hidden eggs. Nesting boxes make egg collection a breeze!
- Happy Hens: Providing a comfortable and safe nesting area can reduce stress in your flock and encourage consistent egg production. Happy hens lay more eggs, and who doesn’t want that?
Creating the Ideal Nesting Box Environment: 8 Tips
Now, let’s talk about how to make those nesting boxes so irresistible that your hens will be lining up to use them. Here’s the thing about chickens: they can be a bit picky about where they lay their eggs. Think of it like choosing a cozy spot to curl up with a good book – ambiance matters!
- Location, Location, Location: Just like you wouldn’t want to read a book in a noisy, crowded room, your hens prefer a sense of privacy and security when laying. Place your nesting boxes in a quiet, dimly lit corner of the coop, away from the hustle and bustle of the flock and the coop entrance. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or drafty areas.
- Community Matters: Interestingly, hens often prefer to lay their eggs near other hens. It’s like a social gathering for them! So, consider placing your nesting boxes close together to encourage this communal laying behavior.
- The Right Size: Make sure the nesting boxes are large enough for your hens to comfortably turn around and lay their eggs without feeling cramped. A good rule of thumb is to provide a space roughly the size of an A3 sheet of paper.
- Easy Access: While privacy is important, you don’t want your hens to have to perform acrobatics to get into their nesting boxes. The entry should be wide enough for them to comfortably walk in and out.
- Cozy Bedding: Line the nesting boxes with soft, comfortable bedding material. Pine shavings, straw, or hay are popular choices. Avoid using materials that retain moisture, as this can lead to unsanitary conditions. Experiment with different materials to see what your hens prefer.
- Cleanliness is Key: Just like humans, chickens appreciate clean and private spaces. Regularly clean the nesting boxes and replace the bedding to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites. Hens are more likely to lay in a clean and fresh environment.
- Discourage Roosting: Hens should sleep on their roosting bars, not in the nesting boxes. If they sleep in the nesting boxes, they’ll inevitably leave droppings, which can make your eggs dirty and create an unsanitary environment. To discourage this, make sure your roosting bars are higher than the nesting boxes.
- Mimic Nature: In the wild, chickens often choose secluded spots with overhead cover and good visibility when laying their eggs. You can mimic these features in your nesting boxes by providing a roof or curtain and ensuring they have a good view of their surroundings.
5 Types of Nesting Boxes
Just like there are different types of houses for people, there are different types of nesting boxes for chickens. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:
Type of Nesting Box | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Wooden Nesting Boxes | Classic choice, relatively easy to build, can be aesthetically pleasing | Can be more difficult to clean, may harbor mites if not properly maintained, can deteriorate over time |
Plastic Nesting Boxes | Durable, easy to clean, less likely to harbor parasites | May not be as aesthetically pleasing as wood, can crack in extreme temperatures |
Metal Nesting Boxes | Sturdy, long-lasting | Can be more expensive than other options |
Roll-away Nesting Boxes | Eggs roll away from the hen, preventing egg eating and breakage | Some hens may be hesitant to use them without nesting material |
Repurposed Materials (buckets, crates, drawers) | Cost-effective, allows for creativity | May require modifications to ensure safety and comfort, may not be as durable as commercial options |
Training Your Hens
Alright, you’ve got your cozy nesting boxes all set up. Now, how do you convince your hens to actually use them? Here are some tried-and-true training methods:
- Fake Eggs: Place fake eggs (golf balls, wooden eggs, or even painted stones) in the nesting boxes. This can help show your hens that the nesting boxes are the place to be when it’s time to lay an egg.
- Confine Them: If your hens are free-range, try confining them to the coop and run until mid-morning. This gives them time to lay their eggs in the nesting boxes before heading out to explore.
- Catch Them in the Act: If you see a hen getting ready to lay an egg outside the nesting box, gently pick her up and place her in a nesting box. This can help her associate the nesting box with egg laying.
- Cover Unwanted Laying Spots: If your hens have a favorite spot outside the nesting boxes, try covering it with a tarp or other material. This will discourage them from laying there and encourage them to seek out the nesting boxes.
- Early Training: Just like it’s easier to teach a puppy good habits than an older dog, it’s easier to train young hens (pullets) to use nesting boxes. Introduce them to the nesting boxes as soon as they’re old enough to start laying.
- Consistency is Key: Be patient and consistent with your efforts. It may take some time for your hens to adjust to the nesting boxes, especially older hens who are set in their ways.
Troubleshooting!
If you’ve tried all the above and you’re still finding eggs in random places, here are some potential issues to consider:
- Not Enough Nesting Boxes: The general rule is one nesting box for every four to six hens. If you have a larger flock, you may need to add more nesting boxes to avoid overcrowding and competition.
- Dirty Nesting Boxes: As mentioned earlier, hens prefer clean nesting areas. Make sure to clean and refresh the bedding regularly.
- Stress and Disruption: Changes in the environment, such as new flock members, loud noises, or predator sightings, can stress hens and disrupt their laying habits. Try to maintain a calm and consistent routine in the coop.
- Health Issues: In some cases, health problems can make hens reluctant to use nesting boxes. For example, a broody hen might stay in the nesting box for extended periods, even when she’s not laying. A dirty coop can also cause stress and affect egg production. Other potential health issues include mites, lice, and injuries. If you suspect a health problem, consult a veterinarian.
- Roosting Space: Believe it or not, the amount of roosting bar space can also affect your hens’ laying habits. Make sure you have enough roosting space for all your hens to comfortably perch at night. Adequate roosting space helps maintain healthy egg-laying patterns.
Why Chicken Keepers Are Switching to Bobmail Nesting Pads:
- Say Goodbye to Broken Eggs: Our soft, spongy material with maze-like raised lines keeps eggs secure - no more heartbreaking discoveries of cracked eggs!
- Cleaning Made Simple: Unlike traditional nesting materials that become a mess, these pads are incredibly easy to clean and dry quickly
- Perfect Fit for Any Coop: Easily trim to fit any nesting box size - no more one-size-fits-none frustrations
- Built to Last: While other solutions need frequent replacement, our durable, odor-resistant pads keep serving you and your hens month after month
Compare the Difference:
Feature | Traditional Solutions | Bobmail Comfort Pads |
---|---|---|
Material | Hard surfaces risking egg breakage | Soft, protective sponge material |
Cleaning | Time-consuming, difficult to maintain | Quick and easy cleanup |
Longevity | Frequent replacement needed | Durable and reusable |
Adaptability | Fixed sizes | Customizable to your needs |
Your Next Step to Happy Hens
Remember those frustrating mornings searching for eggs in strange places? With Bobmail Comfort Chicken Nesting Pads, you’re not just buying a product - you’re investing in peace of mind and happy, productive hens.
Ready to transform your chicken coop experience? Give your hens the comfort they deserve and make your egg collection a breeze with Bobmail Comfort Chicken Nesting Pads. Your hens will thank you, and so will your morning routine!
[Special Tip: For best results, place these pads in your nesting boxes following our setup guide above, and watch how quickly your hens adopt their new favorite laying spot!]