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Hens laying eggs on the coop floor can be a common problem for backyard chicken keepers, but there are ways to prevent it. In this article, we'll discuss some methods for stopping hens from laying eggs on the coop floor and how to encourage them to lay eggs in the nesting boxes.
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Provide adequate nesting boxes: Make sure that there are enough nesting boxes for all of your hens. A general rule of thumb is to provide one nesting box for every four hens. Nesting boxes should be clean, dry, and have a comfortable bedding material such as straw or wood shavings.
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Keep the coop clean: A dirty and unkempt coop can discourage hens from laying eggs in the nesting boxes. Make sure to clean the coop regularly and keep the bedding fresh.
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Block off the coop floor: If hens persist in laying eggs on the coop floor, consider blocking it off with a barrier such as a piece of wood or a plastic sheet. This will make it less appealing for hens to lay eggs there and encourage them to use the nesting boxes.
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Provide a dark and private area: Hens prefer to lay their eggs in a dark, private area. Make sure that the nesting boxes are located in a secluded area of the coop, away from the main living area.
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Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for your hens, 14 hours of light per day is recommended. This will stimulate egg production and make them want to lay eggs in the nesting boxes.
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Training: You can train your hens to lay eggs in the nesting boxes by placing fake eggs in the boxes, which will encourage them to lay eggs there.
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Observe: Observe your hens and find out if they are laying eggs in a specific area or time of the day, if so, place nesting boxes there.
In conclusion, preventing hens from laying eggs on the coop floor requires providing adequate nesting boxes, keeping the coop clean, blocking off the coop floor, providing a dark and private area, providing adequate lighting, training, and observing your hens. By following these steps, you can encourage your hens to lay their eggs in the nesting boxes, rather than on the coop floor. This will make it easier for you to collect the eggs, and ensure that they are clean and fresh when you use them.