Encourage a hen into the nesting box?

[tribemama]

I have two hens we got about 2 1/2 weeks ago, they are Black Sexlinks. They were both laying well at their prior home and one started laying last week for us. The other hen has not started laying and doesn't even go into the nesting boxes. I do see her watching the other hen lay, and we have golf balls in the boxes for her. they free range well and seem comfortable with us, but how can I encourage her into the nesting box to hopefully get things going again?

 

[chickens r life]

How old are they?

 

[tribemama]

They are around two years old

 

[goldies99]

the other one probably just needs more time to get adjusted and feel more comfortable ..then im sure she will start laying

 

[chickens r life]

I agree with goldies

 

[meganhundley]

I'm having a similar problem. I have an EE pullet and a 2 year old Black Jersey Giant that are inseperable. I just got them a couple weeks ago and at the time we didn't have a proper coop so they took to hiding under an old horse trailer we have or the car that sits next to it. We now have a good coop but I can't get either of them to go in it. I've picked the older 1 up and brought her to the coop and she just hauled butt back across the yard and under the car and hid. I left a trail of whole kernel corn that they LOVE that goes from the car to the coop but they aren't following the trail, lol. I really want the older 1 to start laying again soon cause I'm afraid she'll become edd bound if she doesn't. Any advice that anyone has will be much appreciated.

 

[chickens r life]

I

I'm having a similar problem. I have an EE pullet and a 2 year old Black Jersey Giant that are inseperable. I just got them a couple weeks ago and at the time we didn't have a proper coop so they took to hiding under an old horse trailer we have or the car that sits next to it. We now have a good coop but I can't get either of them to go in it. I've picked the older 1 up and brought her to the coop and she just hauled butt back across the yard and under the car and hid. I left a trail of whole kernel corn that they LOVE that goes from the car to the coop but they aren't following the trail, lol. I really want the older 1 to start laying again soon cause I'm afraid she'll become edd bound if she doesn't. Any advice that anyone has will be much appreciated.

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I've heard people locking them into the coop for a couple weeks so they know where home is.

 

[meganhundley]

I
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I've heard people locking them into the coop for a couple weeks so they know where home is.

Oh, ok, I might try that. Both have had their wings clipped so if I fence in some space around the coop they won't be able to get out, do you think that will work as well?

 

[tribemama]

Thanks everyone! Hoping Queenie gets more settled and starts laying. The are very good now when they free range, and come running when I have the bowl with mealworms LOL

 

[goldies99]

keeping them in the coop WILL help them learn where home is....i always do this with new chickens....i dont think it will take 2 weeks....just 3 or 4 days should do it.....good luck