Why Won't My Chickens Lay Eggs in Their Nesting Boxes?

Frustrated that your chooks are laying eggs everywhere except where you want them? You’re not alone. Many backyard chicken keepers face this challenge, especially when starting out.

Chickens are creatures of habit and instinct, and they need a safe, inviting space to lay their eggs. Chickens naturally prefer safe, private spots, like a cosy cave, to lay their eggs. If the nesting boxes don’t feel right, they’ll look for other places.

If you’re finding eggs scattered across the coop or hidden in impossible places, don’t worry—it’s a fixable problem.

If your current setup isn’t working, check out our Dine-A-Chook nesting boxes and roll-away nesting boxes. They’re designed for Aussie backyard keepers to keep eggs safe, clean, and easy to collect.

Key Takeaways

• Build nesting boxes in a quiet, dark spot to make chickens feel secure
• Use straw or hay bedding for comfort, avoiding materials like sawdust or shavings
• Add fake eggs to nesting boxes to encourage natural behaviour
• Regularly clean and maintain nesting boxes to keep them appealing
• Consider roll-away nesting boxes to prevent egg damage and make collection easy

Why Your Chickens Avoid Nesting Boxes

Chickens are picky about their laying spots, and if your nesting boxes don’t meet their needs, they’ll find alternative places—sometimes inconvenient or unsafe.

Here’s why:

1. Nesting Boxes in the Wrong Spot

Chickens like dark, sheltered places for laying eggs. It's their instinct.

If the nesting boxes are in a busy or exposed area, your chooks may avoid them.

Solution: Build nesting boxes in a quiet, shaded part of the coop. This gives chickens a sense of security and privacy, encouraging them to lay eggs where you want them.

Our  roll away laying boxes come ready with a privacy curtain and solid wooden sides to create a feeling of safety and privacy for your laying hens.

2. Uncomfortable Bedding

The wrong bedding can deter chickens from using nesting boxes. Sawdust or shavings can irritate chickens and make the box uninviting.

Solution: Use soft, natural bedding like straw or hay. This not only feels comfortable but also creates the right environment for egg-laying.

Read our full guide for choosing the best bedding for chickens.

3. Dirty or Unappealing Boxes

Chickens won’t lay eggs in a messy environment. If the boxes are dirty, smelly, or have broken bedding, they’ll find a cleaner alternative.

Solution: Clean nesting boxes regularly. Remove soiled bedding, replace it with fresh material, and ensure there’s no lingering odour.

How to Teach Chickens to Lay Eggs in the Nesting Box

Getting your chooks to consistently use their nesting boxes can feel like a mission, but with the right setup and a bit of persistence, you’ll have eggs exactly where they’re supposed to be.

Here’s a breakdown of practical tips that will teach your chickens to lay eggs in the nesting box.

1. Build Nesting Boxes in a Quiet, Sheltered Spot

Chickens like to lay in a place that feels safe, hidden, and calm. If the nesting boxes are out in the open or in a busy area of the coop, your chooks might steer clear. 

Position nesting boxes in a quiet corner of the coop that mimics a cave-like environment. This reduces stress and encourages them to use the boxes.

2. Create a Clean and Inviting Environment

The bedding inside the nesting box matters more than you’d think. Soft materials like straw or hay provide a cosy, natural feel that encourages hens to settle in and lay.

Avoid materials like sawdust or shavings, which are less inviting and can irritate your hens. Make sure to replace bedding regularly to keep the space fresh and comfy.

Regularly remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material.

A clean, cosy setup is far more attractive to hens than a dirty or uncomfortable box.

3. Use Fake Eggs as Visual Cues

Fake eggs are a brilliant way to teach chickens to lay in the right spot.

Placing one or two fake eggs in each nesting box shows your chooks where to go. Chickens are naturally drawn to areas that already contain eggs, so this simple trick reinforces the behaviour you want.

You can buy clay eggs online or you can even use golf balls if you can't find clay eggs!

4. Block Ground-Laying Spots

If your hens are laying eggs on the ground, redirect them by placing obstacles in these spots.

You can use boards, buckets, or other barriers to make alternative areas less appealing and encourage box use.

5. Provide Enough Nesting Boxes

Avoid overcrowding by ensuring you have at least one box per 4-5 hens. This prevents stress and competition, which can lead to hens seeking other places to lay.

Chickens don't all lay at once, so they are usually happy to share the boxes.

If you’re not sure how many you need, check out our guide on nesting box numbers.

6. Maintain Safety and Accessibility

While chickens don’t lay based on convenience, a safe and secure nesting environment is essential.

Add latches to keep predators out and, if possible, choose designs that make egg collection easier, like outside access or roll-away nesting boxes.

These features keep the boxes safe and practical without disrupting your hens.

7. Stay Consistent with Training

Training your chooks takes time.

Use fake eggs, block ground-laying spots, and keep the boxes clean to reinforce good habits.

Stick to these routines, and over time, your flock will naturally gravitate to their nesting boxes.

Why the Right Nesting Boxes Matter

Using the right nesting boxes isn’t just about convenience. It’s about creating a stress-free, egg-laying paradise for your hens.

Dine-A-Chook nesting boxes are made with Aussie backyard keepers in mind. They’re easy to clean, predator-proof, and designed to keep your eggs safe and accessible.

Ready to upgrade your setup? Browse our nesting boxes here or check out our premium roll-away options for the ultimate hassle-free solution.

Need help or advice? Reach out to us! We’re always happy to help you keep your flock happy, healthy, and laying right where they should!