New Coop, New Hope: Alaska Hens Brave the Cold

Hi! I just moved my 12 hens to a new coop and run. Previously they were in a lean-to with plywood walls and minimal insulation. I live in Alaska where we had below 0 temps for three months straight last year, and we had issues with frostbite. Our new coop is relatively small (4x8 for 12 hens) with the idea that they will free range during the day and stay cozy and warm at night. I do wrap the run in plastic when we get snow.

They spent the night in there without issue. Coop stayed 40+ degrees while outside temps dipped below 30. My concern is that they don’t seem to understand where to lay their eggs. As soon as the coop door opened this morning they started tracing the corners of the run acting like they need to lay asap. I am worried that they will hold their eggs and end up egg bound. I tried luring them back in with treats, placing the distressed hens directly into the nesting box, but they just leave.

I’ve read that you shouldn’t allow them access to their old coop so they don’t get confused, but obviously I don’t want them to get sick or hurt in this process. Any ideas? Thank you!