Rain shelter or not?

[HMTurner 0]

Hi I am new to owning chickens have an eglu classic and my new silkies have so far laid 5 eggs on the roosting bars. Is there anything I can do to encourage them to lay in the egg port instead? They have so far laid there eggs late in the afternoon so if I don’t check and get the egg out before they go in to sleep the egg could get crushed. 

[Cat tails 656]

A crushed egg is not incredibly likely, as eggs are meant to be sat on. How old are your hens and what fo you have for bedding in the nesting box?

[The Dogmother 578]

1 hour ago, Cat tails said:

A crushed egg is not incredibly likely, as eggs are meant to be sat on. How old are your hens and what fo you have for bedding in the nesting box?

Agreed

Put a 'pot egg' - fake egg - usually ceramic, in the nest to show them where they need to lay. Silkies aren't the brainiest birds (apologies) so it may take them a while.

[HMTurner 0]

Thanks got your replies. I believe they are 26 weeks old. We have wood chipping is that the right thing or is there something better? Where would I buy a pot egg from? Could I use a real egg instead? 
 

Thanks Hannah
 

[Cat tails 656]

Most larger pet shops stock pot eggs. 

Wood chips is fine, I would stay away from wood shavings.