If hens do not lay in the nest

First, consider whether the nesting box is free of vermin, clean, and provided with suitable bedding (straw, sawdust, chaff). Is the nest easily accessible for older hens, or is it perhaps mounted too high? Are there no access bars, and is the hen undisturbed and, if possible, unobserved in the nest? Are the nests sufficient?

You can try to "retrain" the hens with a nest made of plastic or plaster, or a hard-boiled chicken egg. Ground nests should be removed, and straw should also be kept to a minimum. 

Group nesting boxes have proven to be a good choice. This is a wooden box on 60 cm high legs, one meter long, and 80 cm deep. The eggs are removed from the front. The side walls have an opening for the hens and a landing perch in the rear third. There are also two landing perches at the front. The depth of the group nest is important, as are the two openings, so visiting hens can easily pass the laying hens. The floor consists of a removable frame with wire mesh, allowing dirt and dust to fall through. However, the straw remains, allowing the hens to build their own nests as they wish.

Check the nest and the walls of the laying house for lice or mice. Chickens need peace and quiet. Renew the nest and whitewash the surrounding area. With a new laying egg, you'll see if it works.

The first thing to consider is whether the hens are barn-reared, free-range, mature hens, or newly purchased pullets. With the latter, the problem usually resolves itself because they aren't familiar with nests from the rearing farms. If the hens always lay their eggs in the same spot, check to see if the nests can be installed there. If the eggs are scattered, it may be because there aren't enough nests or the nests are infested with pests (mites). So-called roll-off nests without bedding, such as those used in industrial chicken farming, are sometimes rejected altogether.

After many years of experience with 20-30 free-range chickens, the following has proven to be the best!

For every four hens, place one nesting box (40x40 cm, height 60-70 cm), cover the top, and sprinkle the nest floor with a little white lime (to combat mites). This is followed by a layer of soft hay or straw, into which a plaster egg is placed. The nests should be placed in the darkest possible location, approximately 60 cm above the ground. An access perch is advantageous.

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