One of the joys of keeping chickens is collecting fresh eggs daily. However, that joy can quickly turn to frustration if your hens decide to hide their eggs. Finding where your hens are laying eggs can become a real detective mission. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to solve the mystery and ensure a consistent supply of those golden yolks.
Understanding Hen Laying Behavior
Before diving into the search, it’s essential to understand the basics of hen laying behavior. Hens are creatures of habit, and once they find a spot they like, they tend to stick with it. However, several factors can influence their choice of laying location:
- Age: Young hens (pullets) just starting to lay may experiment with different locations before settling on a favorite.
- Breed: Some breeds are known for being more secretive layers than others.
- Environment: Stressful environments, such as predator presence or bullying within the flock, can cause hens to seek out hidden, more secure laying spots.
- Nesting Box Conditions: If the nesting boxes are dirty, uncomfortable, or too few in number, hens might look for alternative locations.
- Parasites: A heavy infestation of mites or lice can make nesting boxes unbearable.
Step 1: Observation – Become a Chicken Detective
The first and most crucial step is observation. Dedicate time each day to observe your hens’ behavior, especially in the morning and early afternoon, as this is when most hens lay. Here’s what to look for:
- Focus on the Nesting Box Area: Spend at least 30 minutes observing the nesting boxes. Are hens entering and staying for extended periods? Are they scratching and arranging the bedding? This indicates they’re likely preparing to lay or have just laid.
- Look for Unusual Behavior: Watch for hens that seem restless, constantly pacing, or disappearing into specific areas of the coop or run. Note where they go.
- Track Individual Hens (if possible): If you have a smaller flock, try to identify which hens might be laying elsewhere. Look for hens with ruffled feathers around their vent area, which can indicate they’ve recently laid. Some keepers mark hens they suspect of laying outside the box with a temporary, safe marker.
- Listen Carefully: Hens often make a characteristic “egg song” after laying. Pay attention to where this sound is coming from.
- Early Morning Checks: Before you open the coop for the day, check if any hens are already in the nesting boxes. This could be their preferred time to lay.
Detailed Observation Instructions:
- Timing is Key: The peak laying time for most hens is between 7 AM and 11 AM. Focus your observation during this period. However, some hens may lay later in the day, so don’t limit your observations solely to the morning.
- Use Binoculars (if needed): If you have a large run, binoculars can help you observe hens from a distance without disturbing them.
- Take Notes: Keep a notebook and pen handy to record your observations. Note the time, which hens you see entering the nesting boxes (or other areas), and any unusual behavior.
- Check Under and Behind Things: Hens are notorious for hiding eggs in unlikely places. Look under feeders, waterers, and any other objects in the coop or run. Check behind walls, in corners, and even in piles of leaves or straw.
- Look Up: Some hens may even try to lay in elevated areas, such as on top of storage containers or roosts (though this is less common).
Step 2: Inspect the Nesting Boxes
The condition of your nesting boxes plays a significant role in whether hens choose to use them. A dirty, uncomfortable, or inadequate nesting box setup is a common reason for hens to seek alternative laying locations.
- Cleanliness: Nesting boxes should be cleaned regularly – at least once a week. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material.
- Comfort: Provide soft, comfortable bedding such as straw, hay, wood shavings, or shredded paper. Avoid dusty or moldy materials. Consider using nesting pads made of artificial turf, which are easy to clean and provide good cushioning.
- Privacy: Hens prefer a dark, secluded nesting area. Ensure the nesting boxes are located in a quiet, dimly lit corner of the coop. Consider adding curtains or partitions to the entrance of the nesting boxes to provide more privacy.
- Size and Number: The size of the nesting boxes should be appropriate for your breed of hens. A good rule of thumb is 12x12x12 inches for standard-sized hens. You should provide at least one nesting box for every 4-5 hens.
- Accessibility: Make sure the nesting boxes are easily accessible to your hens. Avoid placing them too high off the ground, especially for heavier breeds.
Detailed Nesting Box Inspection Instructions:
- Bedding Type: Experiment with different types of bedding to see what your hens prefer. Some hens prefer straw, while others prefer wood shavings or shredded paper.
- Bedding Depth: Ensure the bedding is deep enough (at least 2-3 inches) to provide adequate cushioning and insulation.
- Nesting Box Location: If possible, move the nesting boxes to a different location in the coop to see if this encourages your hens to use them.
- Pest Control: Regularly check the nesting boxes for mites and lice. Use poultry-safe treatments to control these pests. Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective option.
- Egg Collection Frequency: Collect eggs frequently, ideally several times a day. This will prevent hens from becoming broody (wanting to hatch eggs) and encourage them to continue laying in the nesting boxes.
Step 3: The “Fake Egg” Trick
Hens are attracted to laying in areas where they see other eggs. This is a natural instinct that you can use to your advantage. The “fake egg” trick involves placing artificial eggs in your nesting boxes to encourage hens to lay there.
- Types of Fake Eggs: You can use ceramic eggs, wooden eggs, golf balls, or even painted rocks as fake eggs.
- Placement: Place one or two fake eggs in each nesting box.
- Monitor: Observe whether the presence of the fake eggs encourages your hens to start using the nesting boxes.
Detailed Instructions for the “Fake Egg” Trick:
- Egg Appearance: Choose fake eggs that closely resemble real chicken eggs in size and shape.
- Egg Number: Don’t overcrowd the nesting boxes with fake eggs. One or two per box is sufficient.
- Egg Cleaning: Clean the fake eggs regularly to prevent them from becoming dirty or contaminated.
- Egg Movement: Occasionally move the fake eggs around within the nesting boxes to keep them interesting.
- Real Egg Presence: If you find an egg in the nesting box, leave it there for a short time (a few hours) to further encourage your hens to lay there. Then, collect the real egg.
Step 4: Confine Suspects (Temporarily)
If you suspect a particular hen is laying outside the nesting boxes, you can try temporarily confining her to the coop for a few days. This will limit her access to other laying locations and encourage her to use the nesting boxes.
- Confinement Period: Keep the hen confined to the coop for 2-3 days.
- Provide Essentials: Ensure she has access to food, water, and comfortable nesting boxes.
- Monitor Behavior: Observe her behavior closely to see if she starts using the nesting boxes.
- Release: After the confinement period, release her back into the run and continue to monitor her laying behavior.
Detailed Confinement Instructions:
- Hen Identification: Be absolutely sure you’ve correctly identified the hen that’s laying elsewhere. Misidentification can stress the wrong bird.
- Coop Environment: Ensure the coop environment is clean, comfortable, and free of stressors.
- Observation During Confinement: Spend extra time observing the hen during confinement. Is she exploring the nesting boxes? Is she showing signs of wanting to lay?
- Gradual Release: After the initial 2-3 day confinement, consider a gradual release. Let her out into the run for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time she spends outside the coop.
- Group Confinement: If you suspect multiple hens are laying elsewhere, you can confine the entire flock to the coop for a shorter period (1-2 days).
Step 5: Block Access to Hidden Spots
Once you’ve identified potential hiding spots, block access to them. This will force your hens to lay in the nesting boxes.
- Identify Hidden Spots: Carefully inspect the coop and run for any areas where hens might be laying, such as under bushes, behind equipment, or in piles of debris.
- Block Access: Use chicken wire, boards, or other materials to block access to these areas.
- Remove Temptations: Remove any piles of leaves, straw, or other materials that could serve as nesting sites.
Detailed Instructions for Blocking Access:
- Thorough Search: Conduct a very thorough search, thinking like a chicken. Look for spots that offer seclusion, darkness, and protection from the elements.
- Creative Blocking: Be creative in your blocking methods. You might need to use a combination of materials to effectively block access.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly check the blocked areas to ensure the barriers are still in place and haven’t been breached.
- Consider the Run: Don’t forget to check the run for potential laying spots. Hens may lay outside the coop if they have access to suitable locations.
- Predator Proofing: When blocking access to hidden spots, also consider predator proofing. Ensure your barriers are strong enough to deter predators from accessing the area.
Step 6: Provide a Safe and Secure Environment
Hens are more likely to lay in nesting boxes if they feel safe and secure. A stressful environment can lead to hens seeking out hidden, more secluded laying spots.
- Predator Protection: Ensure your coop and run are secure from predators such as foxes, raccoons, and hawks.
- Reduce Stress: Minimize stressors within the flock, such as overcrowding, bullying, or loud noises.
- Provide Adequate Space: Ensure your hens have enough space to move around freely. Overcrowding can lead to stress and aggression.
- Proper Nutrition: Feed your hens a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. A deficiency in calcium can lead to soft-shelled eggs, which may discourage hens from laying in the nesting boxes.
Detailed Instructions for Providing a Safe Environment:
- Coop Security: Regularly inspect the coop for any signs of damage, such as holes in the walls or roof. Repair any damage promptly.
- Run Security: Ensure the run is fully enclosed with chicken wire or netting. Bury the wire at least 12 inches deep to prevent predators from digging underneath.
- Predator Deterrents: Use predator deterrents such as motion-activated lights or noisemakers to scare away potential predators.
- Flock Management: Observe your hens for signs of bullying or aggression. Separate any aggressive hens from the flock.
- Enrichment: Provide enrichment activities for your hens, such as dust baths, perches, and toys. This will help reduce boredom and stress.
Step 7: The Waiting Game (Patience is Key)
Finding where your hens are laying eggs can take time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Continue to observe your hens, adjust your strategies, and eventually, you’ll crack the case.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your efforts. Continue to observe your hens, clean the nesting boxes, and block access to hidden spots.
- Persistence: Don’t give up! Eventually, your hens will likely start using the nesting boxes again.
- Celebrate Success: Once your hens start laying in the nesting boxes, celebrate your success with a delicious omelet made from your fresh eggs!
Additional Tips:
- Train Young Hens: When introducing young hens to the coop, place them in the nesting boxes in the afternoon to familiarize them with the location.
- Gather Eggs Regularly: Collect eggs frequently to prevent broodiness and discourage hens from hiding eggs.
- Consider a Broody Hen: If a hen goes broody, consider allowing her to hatch a clutch of eggs. This can help satisfy her nesting instincts and may make her more likely to use the nesting boxes in the future.
- Consult with Other Chicken Keepers: If you’re still struggling to find where your hens are laying eggs, consult with other chicken keepers for advice and tips.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after implementing these steps, you might still encounter issues. Here’s a troubleshooting guide:
- Problem: Hens are laying soft-shelled eggs outside the nesting boxes.
- Solution: Increase calcium intake. Provide oyster shell supplement free choice. Ensure hens are getting enough Vitamin D (sunlight or supplemented feed).
- Problem: Hens are laying in the same hidden spot, even after blocking it.
- Solution: Be more persistent and creative with blocking. Consider moving the nesting boxes closer to the previously preferred spot (temporarily).
- Problem: Young hens aren’t using nesting boxes at all.
- Solution: Gently place them in the nesting boxes several times a day, especially when they seem restless. Use fake eggs.
- Problem: Hens are eating their eggs.
- Solution: Collect eggs more frequently. Ensure adequate calcium and protein intake. Use darker nesting boxes. Place ceramic eggs in nesting boxes to deter pecking.
When to Call in the Experts
While most hidden egg situations can be resolved with diligent observation and adjustments, there are times when it’s wise to seek expert advice:
- Suspected Illness: If your hens are showing other signs of illness alongside hidden laying (lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in droppings), consult a veterinarian. Some illnesses can affect egg production and laying behavior.
- Persistent Predator Problems: If you suspect a persistent predator problem, despite your best efforts at securing the coop and run, consider consulting with a wildlife control expert.
- Complex Flock Dynamics: If you’re struggling with complex flock dynamics that seem to be contributing to the problem (severe bullying, constant stress), consider seeking advice from an experienced poultry keeper or veterinarian specializing in poultry behavior.
Conclusion
Finding where your hens are laying eggs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding hen laying behavior, carefully observing your flock, and implementing the steps outlined in this guide, you can solve the mystery and enjoy a consistent supply of fresh, delicious eggs. Remember to be patient, persistent, and adaptable, and eventually, you’ll crack the case!