Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[LilyG]

Two of my chickens have been laying for quite a while now and they started off quite normally, laying in the right place. But in the past couple of weeks they have both started laying in the coop but under neath their high perch, instead of in the bit sticking out of the side (excuse my lack of terminology xP).

Someone mentioned that perhaps there wasn't enough room for them, so we removed one of the dividers making one section twice as big but they still aren't keen. Instead they removed the straw and make a little nest on the other side of the coop. It's not a big problem, the eggs just get a bit dirty and they are harder to reach. But does anyone have any ideas to get them laying in the right place again?

Thanks.

[Forge Cottage]

Hello LilyG.

 

I understand they like a cosy private space and are happy to lay in some quite tight spaces no bigger than a hands-width, so making the nestbox bigger may not work. Keep them standard and comfy - but do check carefully that all the corners are clean and clear of Red Mite, lice etc. Straw can harbour pests which irritate and the chickens vote with their feet...

 

We use fine wood shavings which are less likely to host pests than straw.

 

Good luck

[abwsco]

Wish I knew the answer to this as most of mine have decided that they now like the coop floor. The older ones have seen the new ones laying there and obviously decided they now can't be bothered jumping up into the nest box

[bluekarin]

It must be something in the air as mine are now laying their eggs in the roosting box and not the nesting box . I almost broke one whilst poop clearing which was hidden under the hemcore right in their door way!

And, whilst eating their afternoon treat of spaghetti, one laid one on the ground Now, I am not sure if it was Moonshine, as she was standing right over it, or if it was Daisy as it was quite pale in colour. Moonshine apparently lays chocolate brown eggs. But saying that, we had our first three egg day today two were pale colour and one was brown (which is definitely Cocoa's). Hopefully I shall find out who is laying what soon.

[LilyG]

We had our first three egg day today aswell All in the wrong place but hey, what can you do xP

I'll put the divider back in if you think that's no help. Thanks.