Easy Tips to Train Your Chickens to Lay in Their Nesting Boxes

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I recently had a few free-range pullets (a young hen, less than a year old) lay eggs in the most random places. Whether you are new to raising chickens or an old-time chicken owner, I have some easy tips on how to train chickens to lay in nesting boxes.

Pullets typically start laying eggs around five to six months old. They will lay anywhere from 200-300 eggs per year, depending on their breed. Young hens usually, but not always, follow suit and lay in the nesting boxes where the older hens lay. If your chickens free-range it can sometimes be more challenging to get them to lay their eggs in the nesting boxes. My problem is, in the the winter my older hens usually do not lay as much or at all. As a result, the younger hens are confused on where to lay. I have one pullet who has been laying her egg on our porch in the dog’s house. You can imagine how happy our dog is to find a fresh egg everyday just for him. I have only intercepted the egg a couple times but that is going to change. I am going to use some of my time-honored easy tips to train these chickens to lay in their nesting boxes.

Why Do Chickens Use Nesting Boxes?

Chickens usually prefer their nesting boxes because they are a safe and secure cozy place to lay their eggs. And let’s face it, we want them to lay there especially if your chickens are free-range. Who wants to do a daily egg hunt searching in the tall grass, tucked away corners, behind a rock, or even in a dog house. Not me. And with the price of chicken eggs, every single egg is extra valuable these days.

Additionally, chickens are a creature of habit and it may seem challenging to train chickens to lay in nesting boxes. Before I share some of the tips I have used, here are some additional tips you should your chickens may not be laying in their nesting boxes

Are You Gathering Eggs Regularly?

Chickens tend to avoid laying in nesting boxes that are already full of eggs. If your hens are laying consistently, it’s best to gather eggs at least once, if not twice, a day. That said, leaving one or two eggs in the nest can actually be helpful, especially for younger hens still learning where to lay. A ceramic or wooden dummy egg can also serve this purpose without the risk of eggs getting broken or dirty. Keeping nesting boxes clean and free of excess eggs helps prevent bad habits like egg-eating, which can be difficult to break once started. Regular gathering also ensures your eggs stay fresh and reduces the chance of them getting cracked or soiled in the nest.

Do the Nesting Boxes Need Tidied Up?

Chickens are much more likely to lay in clean, cozy nesting boxes, so keeping them tidy is key. Make it a habit to freshen up the boxes regularly, removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh straw or shavings. As you gather eggs, take a moment to clear out any droppings or loose feathers—little efforts like this go a long way in keeping your flock’s laying area inviting. A clean nesting space also helps prevent issues like mites or dirty eggs, saving you extra work in the long run. If you notice a particular box getting messier than others, it may be a sign that a hen is roosting there overnight, which is worth addressing. Encouraging good laying habits starts with providing a space that’s well-maintained and comfortable.

Are the Nesting Boxes Cozy?

Chickens thrive when they have a soft, cozy place to lay, so keeping their nesting boxes well-padded is a simple way to encourage consistent egg-laying. Adding extra shavings, hay, or straw creates a warm, inviting space that makes hens feel secure. A well-cushioned nest not only keeps your flock happy but also helps prevent eggs from cracking. Refreshing the bedding regularly keeps the boxes clean and discourages pests like mites. If you notice a favorite nesting spot getting flattened over time, just fluff it up with fresh material to keep it comfortable. A little extra effort in maintaining their space goes a long way in ensuring healthy, contented hens.

Are You Providing the Perfect Atmosphere?

Chickens naturally seek out dark, quiet spaces where they feel safe and undisturbed when laying their eggs. Creating this kind of peaceful atmosphere in their nesting boxes helps them settle in with ease. Positioning the boxes in a calm, low-traffic area of the coop and ensuring they have plenty of soft bedding makes a big difference. If a box is too exposed or bright, hens may choose less ideal spots to lay, like corners of the coop or even outside. A well-designed nesting space not only keeps your flock comfortable but also makes egg gathering easier and more predictable.

Are There Enough Nesting Boxes?

A good rule of thumb is to have one nesting box for every four to six hens, giving them plenty of space to lay comfortably. If a hen finds all the boxes occupied, she may start searching for another spot—sometimes in places that make egg gathering a challenge. Ensuring you have enough nesting boxes helps prevent bad habits like laying in hidden corners or on the coop floor. Hens can also become territorial over their favorite boxes, so having extra options reduces competition and stress. Keeping the boxes clean, well-padded, and in a quiet location encourages your flock to return to the same safe spaces day after day.

Do You Have Adequate Roosting Spots?

If chickens don’t have enough proper roosting space, they’ll often settle into their nesting boxes for the night. This is a habit you’ll want to break quickly, as it leads to dirty, messy boxes that aren’t ideal for egg-laying. Providing plenty of sturdy, well-placed roosts encourages them to sleep where they should, keeping their nesting spots clean and inviting. If you notice hens roosting in the boxes, try raising the roosts higher than the nesting area, as chickens naturally prefer to sleep on the highest perch available. A well-thought-out coop setup makes all the difference in maintaining healthy, happy hens and clean, fresh eggs.

Once You Have Covered the Basics of Keeping a Clean Coop, You’re Ready to Try These Easy Tips to Get Your Chickens to Lay in Their Nesting Boxes:

Use a “Nest Egg” aka Fake Egg

Placing a fake egg or “nest egg” in the nesting box is a simple but effective way to show your pullets exactly where to lay. Young hens take cues from their environment, and having a visual reminder helps establish good laying habits early on. This trick is especially useful in the winter months when older hens may slow down or stop laying altogether. A well-placed nest egg can also discourage hens from laying in less convenient spots, like hidden corners of the coop or even outside. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping egg collection predictable and hassle-free. You can purchase them here.

Keep Chickens Confined Until Mid-Morning

Usually, chickens lay their eggs in the mid morning. Keeping your free range chickens confined to their run with easy access to their cozy nesting boxes will encourage them to use them.

Catch Your Chicken Laying in the Wrong Place

If you can catch her in the act and move her to a nesting box this may help her see that is the ideal spot to lay eggs. This may take some time and patience but will be a helpful to hopefully break the bad habit of laying around outside of the nest.

To Review: How to Train Your Chickens to Lay in Their Nesting Boxes

• Gather eggs regularly.
• Keep nesting boxes tidy.
• Make sure nesting boxes are cozy.
• Ensure perfect atmosphere.
• Have right amount of nesting boxes.
• Provide adequate roosting spots.
• Use Nest Egg
• Keep confined until mid-morning
• Catch them laying in the wrong place.

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