Keep in mind, some hens will lay in the afternoon, too, so you may need to observe your hens throughout the day. [1] X Research source
Your hens may seem extra cranky, too.
Hens will often start cackling early in the morning to indicate they’re laying eggs.
While it’s time-consuming to keep an eye on your chickens, it’s one of the sure-fire ways to find a nest.
You may also find them at the base of trees or nestled down in the grass.
Make sure to look in all the hidden holes you can find in these buildings!
Some may even lay eggs in the middle of the yard. If you have kids, get them to help you look! They can spot things down low you might not see.
The same is true around your house. Walk around the outside of your house to see if your chickens have laid eggs around the border.
However, try not to put nests directly below roosting areas, as you’ll end up with feces all over your eggs.
Try using dish soap and warm water if you need to scrub down the coop.
Nesting spots are the individual cubbyholes where chickens lay their eggs.
You can find pine shavings at most tractor supply stores.
Try wooden eggs, for instance.
Mark the egg with a permanent marker, making an “X. " That way, you can leave it there for a few days without picking up a rotten egg to take inside. Just gather the other eggs around it. Eggs don’t go “bad” for quite awhile, as hens may need up to 2 weeks to create a clutch of eggs to sit on and hatch. However, if bacteria has gotten into the eggs, they can go bad much faster.
You may not want to do this when it gets too hot outside, such as when it gets 90 °F (32 °C) or above, as it may get too warm for your hens.
Once you get to the coop, you should be able to encourage your hen to lay inside the coop in the nesting area.
