rosecork Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Hi, have had my 3 chickens in their eglu go for 4 months now and, as of yesterday, all are now laying! One lays everyday in the nest box = clean eggs, but the other lays straight onto the bars and the first little egg yesterday was also on the bars = filthy eggs. How can I make all 3 of them use the nest box? It is always full of clean shavings and I collect the eggs regularly, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Welcome to the forum . You could try a pot egg (a ceramic egg) or failing that a white golf ball. That's supposed to make them realise where they should lay. If it's the one who's just started laying who's doing it, you may find she finds her own way to the nestbox of her own accord anyway . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 I was going to suggest a ceramic egg too. I have found that it has worked with some of mine in the past. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosecork Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 ok, will try with a golf ball...hope it works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Move the eggs they do lay in to the nest box. Eggs are good for a long time so leaving them in the nest box for a few days will do no harm at all and they are more familar to the chooks then golf balls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoachedPlease Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Redwing,I do like your advice on here so wondering if have you any ideas on egg laying.........my youngest chicken just started laying and lays first thing in the morning. The hens are all still in the coop with her and she will not get down from her perch and lay in the nest box, but lays where she is!! Consequently the egg hits the wooden coop floor from a height and smashes. Oblivious sHe meanwhile starts singing her "I've laid an egg everyone, aren't I clever" very loudly which wakes up me and the neighbours...sigh. Do you think this is due to her laziness or nervousness in moving around the coop when the big mamas are around and liable to peck her? Or is she young and ignorant of standard laying procedure I think this only happens in the morning. Getting frustrated with the egg wastage. Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Hmmm does it happen before the coop door is opened? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I've just been researching this on the internet, as I was intrigued. The suggestion seems to be that it is to do with being young and not getting the hang of things. One idea is to put an extra thick layer of chippings or similar under the roosting area so the eggs don't break until she gets the hang of things, or place a thin piece of plywood under the area close to the bars. The other suggestion, which I thought was quite funny, was to sit her on a fake egg for a few minutes each day. I guess you could give her a treat whilst doing this. The author described this as "potty training" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Birds are reluctant to move when its dark. If its happening before the coop door is opened that would explain things as the bird would not want to make her way to the nestbox If this is the case opening the coop door earlier may be an idea or alternatively move the chook after she has gone to roost and place her on the floor in an area where she wont get pooed on As she gets older she may well lay at a more sociable hour and none of this will be a problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I'm still leaving the door to the roosting area open at night. Girls are all doing fine I do check they've all gone to be at dusk, have had a few strays in the WIR in the past Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoachedPlease Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Thanks ladies, potty training, I must admit to taking her off the perch this morning and stuffing her into the nest box while she gave an outraged squawk. Then I noticed it was too late and the egg was already lying on the floor!! Although I leave the door to the run open all the time, Thats a good point as it is still dark so early in the morning and she knows top mama sleeps on the floor near the nesting boxes, so she might not want to risk it Hmm will try a fake egg anyway, and add some more chippings. Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Sounds like she's laying in the dark. Little pickle! She can't help that. I think she will grow out of it. Lighter mornings are on their way, so she'll be able to see what the others are doing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
