chickens wont use nesting boxes, running out of ideas

[watchdogps]

The reason I was asking about pics of the outside nests was just to see what they looked like and if they were accessible. I have two suggestions -
block the outdoor nests. just put some thing on top of them for now. Five gallon buckets, boxes, a lawn mower, whatever.
next, can you make something inside that resembles the outdoor nests more? maybe the girls want wicker baskets with grass in them on the floor of the coop?
might be better to compromise than to fight them.

 

[AZBootsie]

Quote:
I agree. Hopping up on that thin edge, might be uncomfortable for their feet.

 

[LiLRedCV]

Just adding a roost bar so they can jump up and then walk into the nest from there should help. It should be an easy fix - screw a board approx 4"-6" long to the bottom or outer sides of the nesting boxes and then screw a 2"x2" or a 2"x4" long enough to set on top of those onto those. You really don't need to buy new nesting boxes if that's the problem... barring that? Try putting a 5 gal bucket or milk crate on it's side on the floor, add bedding, and maybe the girls will use that instead of the yard!