hello All Need some help getting my chickens to use the rest of the nesting boxes they are only using 5 out of the 30 that i have i have cleaned them put wooden eggs in them, i think i have done all the common thing you can do. Is there any ideas out there that may help. I have 30 hen they were bought on march 11, 2013. The breeds that i have are Production reds, Aracauna. they just started laying the 17 july 2013. I am new to the chicken world needing help Thanks k9eagle
They like to lay where another hen has laid their egg. Mine will wait in line for a certain nest box. You only need one nest box per 4 hens.
You cannot fight instinct. They are clutch builders and flock creatures. 6 to 1, that is your ratio. You never did need 30 boxes. LOL It's normal. It's just the way it is.