Getting Chickens to lay in the box.

[matlock]

I just joined this sight and have been reading numerous posts and loving it. I used to have chicken but was not ready for them, (dumb move I know) but now I am putting the time into building a proper coop. The one thing I could never get my chickens to do was lay in their boxes. I got a two level metal set of laying boxes from an old farm and only got one or two chickens to lay in it. I was reading another post on here and they said something about golf ball in the box. Does this work? And I plan on using the thick layer method for the floor but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[redoak]

Golf balls and/or ping pong balls worked for my hens. Basically any object that looks like an egg will encourage them to lay in their nest boxes.

 

[snowydiamonds]

I have a rock I picked up from the ground the perfect shape and size that I use for the young ones if they aren't in w/older ones. I only put younger ones in w/my banties who immediately kick in the "mother instinct" and adopt all chicks, no matter the age.