Where Will Free-Range Chickens Lay Their Eggs?
Free-range chickens are known for their natural and roaming lifestyle, but their egg-laying habits can vary. Typically, free-range chickens will lay their eggs in the coop, given that the coop is safe, comfortable, and adequately equipped. However, there are instances where chickens might choose alternative locations outside the coop. Understanding these behaviors can help you manage your flock more effectively.
Egg-Laying Behavior in Coops
Chickens naturally prefer a secure, comfortable, and private environment for egg-laying. The coop provides all of these essential factors. If the coop is well-maintained, clean, and furnished with suitable nesting boxes, the chickens will likely use it for egg-laying. Providing a designated nesting area within the coop can also help ensure consistent egg-laying in a specific location.
However, if the chickens have access to other areas outside the coop, such as a yard or garden, they may lay eggs in those areas as well. Some common alternative locations include under bushes or behind sheds, as I’ve discovered when finding clusters of eggs randomly. Encouraging them to use the coop by placing a rubber egg or two in the nest boxes can help steer them in the right direction.
Organic Laying Hen Practices
Organic laying hens are typically housed in barns or aviaries, but have constant daytime access to an outside range with vegetation. In the EU, regulations stipulate that each hen must have at least 4 square metres of outside space. Eggs laid outside can be eaten by hens or predators, so it’s important to know where to look if you suspect eggs are being laid away from the coop.
According to Christine Nicol, a Professor of Animal Welfare at the University of Bristol, there can be several reasons why chickens lay eggs away from the designated nesting areas. These reasons often include a shortage of nest boxes or discomfort with the existing boxes. Despite these challenges, most hens prefer the nests provided by their owners.
Common Egg-Laying Locations
Even with well-equipped coops, some hens might still choose alternative locations for egg-laying. Some owners report their chickens laying eggs under the coop, in the corners of sheds, or under bushes. My chickens, for example, have occasionally decided to lay their eggs under the coop or in the corner of a shed, but they mostly lay their eggs in the coop, using the provided nest boxes.
To encourage proper egg-laying behavior, it's helpful to place a fake egg or a small ball like a golf ball or ping pong ball in the nest. This can serve as a visual cue to show the hens where they should be laying their eggs. Additionally, if you suspect that a hen is trying to incubate her eggs, you might find her hiding them under bushes, near air conditioning units, or on bales of straw in the barn. Regular checks around these areas can help you locate any missing eggs.