5 gallon nest buckets for barred rock/ heavy breed?

[vermontgal]

Is a 5 gallon bucket large enough for a nest box for a heavy breed like a barred rock?

Do the chickens go in the nest boxes before they are ready to lay? Should I do something to attract them to the nest boxes, so they think that the nest boxes are the hip-hop-happening place to hang out?

My gals are 18 weeks, and I put the nest boxes in there about a week ago, to get them used to the buckets. They don't show any interest. I have put a chicken in the bucket a couple of times - they seem unimpressed and basically pop right back out. My large (fat) barred rock fits, but she wouldn''t have much space to move around...

 

[ChickenToes]

I use 5 gallon buckets for my heavy breeds and they work just fine. They will go in the nest boxes when they are getting ready to lay, it just takes time.

 

[vermontgal]

Chickentoes, Your avatar gives me hope!

Actually, I have sort of forgotten that I got the chickens for eggs. They seem like pets, and good garden workers - the eggs will be a bonus when they show up.