How to Find Where a Hen Lays Eggs

Finding where your hen lays her eggs can be tricky business, as instinct tells the chicken to make her nest in a safe, hidden location where the eggs will not be stolen by predators. If you feel your hens aren't producing the eggs they should be, you may just not be finding them. Luckily, there's a great trick that can help you track down that hidden nest.

Things You'll Need

  • Black pepper seeds (whole)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect your hen and hold her gently under your arm and against your body to prevent excess wing flapping. Her head should be facing towards your back so that you have easy access to her back side.

    • 2

      Lift the tail feathers of your hen and find her rectum. It is a 1-inch long slit just below the tail. This is where your hen expels bodily waste, but it is also where the eggs leave her body.

    • 3

      Place one whole black pepper seed into the rectum near the top of the slit. You do not need to force the seed in or push in anyway, simply set the black pepper seed at the top of the slit and press gently, it should go in easily. The black pepper seed will not harm your hen at all. However, it will cause an itching sensation that will cause your hen to think she needs to lay an egg.

    • 4

      Set your hen down gently and follow her. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes for your hen to lead you to her hidden nest, where she will sit and expel the black pepper seed. Repeat this process with all of your hens to find their hidden nests.