Getting free rangers to use box

[CT henhouse]

Hi everybody,

I'm sure this may have been asked before. I did a search but found nothing, so my apologies if this topic has been covered. If so, please feel free to send me the link.

Ok, so my cousin gave me two chickens (RR and PR) to add to my flock. Well, they are free ranging, and I discovered one of the spots where they are laying outdoors. But I'd much rather prefer they use the nesting boxes instead of the outdoors for a few reasons. Is there anyway I can train or lead the chickens to use the boxes? Or is that the curse of free ranging chickens; having to deal with eggs "in the wild"?

Thanks.

 

[Cats Critters]

You might try keeping them locked up for a week or so with fake eggs in the nest boxes. Most birds catch on to "Oh I'm suppose to lay here!" thought.