🐔 10 Ways to Get Your Chickens to Lay in the Nest Box
So your hens are finally laying — hooray! 🎉 But instead of tucking their eggs neatly in the nesting boxes you lovingly prepared... they’re laying on the coop floor, in the run, or even behind the waterer. Sound familiar?
Getting your hens to lay in the nest box isn’t always automatic, but don’t worry — with a few simple tweaks, you can encourage them to lay their eggs where they should.
Here are 10 tried-and-true ways to get your chickens laying in the nest box (and not in random, frustrating places!).
1️⃣ Provide Enough Nesting Boxes
A good rule of thumb: 1 nesting box per 3–4 hens.
Too few boxes can lead to overcrowding, competition, and hens seeking out “better” laying spots elsewhere. If you notice squabbles or shared nests full of eggs, it may be time to add a few more.
2️⃣ Make the Nest Boxes Dark & Cozy
Hens like privacy and darkness when laying eggs. Make sure your nest boxes are:
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Away from the brightest parts of the coop
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Positioned lower than roosts (to avoid sleeping in them)
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Filled with soft, comfortable bedding (like straw, pine shavings, or hemp)
🧠 Pro Tip: A curtain or flap over the nest box entrance can help make it feel safer and more private.
3️⃣ Use Fake Eggs or “Nest Eggs”
Hens love to lay where other hens have laid — it’s part of their natural instincts.
Placing a few fake eggs (wooden, ceramic, or rubber) in the nesting boxes shows them, “Hey! This is where eggs go!”
This trick is surprisingly effective and helps establish a strong laying habit.
4️⃣ Keep the Nest Boxes Clean
Dirty, wet, or smelly nest boxes are a big no-go for picky hens. Check daily for:
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Broken eggs
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Soiled bedding
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Poop (especially if hens sleep in the boxes)
Clean boxes = happy layers.
5️⃣ Lock Them in the Coop Until Late Morning
Most hens lay their eggs early in the day. If you let them out into the run or garden too soon, they may decide to lay in a “secret spot.”
Keep them inside the coop (with access to food, water, and nest boxes) until at least 10–11am to build the habit of using the boxes.
6️⃣ Block Off Favorite "Wrong" Laying Spots
If your hen keeps laying behind the feed bin or in a corner of the run, block off those areas.
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Use boards, buckets, or wire to deny access
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Remove soft bedding from "rogue nests"
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Make the wrong spots less appealing and the nest boxes the most attractive option
7️⃣ Discourage Sleeping in Nest Boxes
If your hens sleep in the nest boxes, they’ll get messy — and laying hens will avoid them.
Encourage proper roosting by:
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Making sure roosts are higher than nest boxes
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Training young birds to perch
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Blocking off nest boxes at night temporarily, if needed
8️⃣ Place Nest Boxes at the Right Height
Keep nest boxes about 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) off the ground.
Too low, and they might be ignored. Too high, and hens may avoid them if they’re hard to reach. A small ramp can help, especially for heavier breeds.
9️⃣ Train Pullets Before They Start Laying
Start encouraging nesting habits before your hens begin to lay (around 16–18 weeks of age).
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Make nest boxes available early
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Add fake eggs
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Keep the boxes inviting and consistent
That way, when they’re ready, they already know where to go!
🔟 Be Patient and Observe
Some hens just take a little longer to “get it.” Observe where your hens are laying and gently move any floor-laid eggs into the nesting box to reinforce the message.
Praise and treats don’t hurt either! 😉 Positive association can help reinforce new habits.
🐣 Final Thoughts
Chickens are creatures of habit, and once they get the hang of using the nest box, they’ll return to it day after day. With a bit of encouragement, clean comfy boxes, and a few clever tricks, you’ll have your flock laying like pros in no time!
Need nesting box supplies, fake eggs, or comfy bedding? Chook Manor has everything you need to keep your layers happy and productive. Pop in-store or shop online — we’re always here to help your flock thrive!
– The Chook Manor Team 🐓✨
