Getting chickens to use nesting box

[sedodge]

Hi all,

I'm new to chicken-rearing and my 3 girls are 18 weeks old today (awww). In preparation for egg laying, I've put a nesting box (a plastic milk crate with a cover) in their coop. So far, no eggs, but also no signs that they have touched the nest box. Do I need to introduce it to them, or do something so they know what it's for? I let them out into the yard most mornings and they stay there all day with access to their coop for water/food/etc. Should I keep them in the coop until a certain time if I want them to lay in the nest box? Any advice, pointers, etc. greatly appreciated!

 

[timco]

As it was explained to me, when they are ready to lay, they will seek out the nest box. Look a few threads back to mine titled "not interested". There were several good replies. Our girls are 21 weeks and no eggs, and I built nest boxes 5 days ago. None have even been inside the boxes yet...


Tim

 

[ChickyPooh]

I put golf balls on the nest box and then place the hens in there. I figure they get the idea.