Hens not laying in nest boxes.

[Joshua G]

It's ok, you're words weren't harsh.
I was planning on selling some of them before this became an issue but, they grew faster than I thought.
Thanks for the responses, I will update if they start laying in the nests.

 

[subhanalah]

Would it be possible to utilize the space above the nest boxes as another roosting area, with a poop board over the laying boxes?

If they are not confined for long periods (nights are short in the summer) you should be okay, for a little while anyway, as long as you stay on top of the poop. But they all need their place of dignity in the coop to sleep at night.

 

[subhanalah]

It's good that you are asking what to do for them, it takes a caring person to ask for help.

 

[Joshua G]

Would it be possible to utilize the space above the nest boxes as another roosting area, with a poop board over the laying boxes?

If they are not confined for long periods (nights are short in the summer) you should be okay, for a little while anyway, as long as you stay on top of the poop. But they all need their place of dignity in the coop to sleep at night.

There is only 1 foot of space between the roof and the top of the nesting boxes so, I don't think they would be comfortable roosting there.
They only go in the coop at night, and to lay the eggs of course, I think they are in for a new coop even though the new change would probably stress them out for a little while, at least I could have more chickens and they would be happier with more roost space.
I originally designed the coop for 8 chickens but, I am bad at chicken math and ended up with 25+.

 

[subhanalah]

There is only 1 foot of space between the roof and the top of the nesting boxes so, I don't think they would be comfortable roosting there.
They only go in the coop at night, and to lay the eggs of course, I think they are in for a new coop even though the new change would probably stress them out for a little while, at least I could have more chickens and they would be happier with more roost space.
I originally designed the coop for 8 chickens but, I am bad at chicken math and ended up with 25+.

the first rule of chicken club is to build a coop 3-4 times bigger than you "need" or "intend" it to be, lol....

 

[Joshua G]

Right, would that I new that to begin with.

 

[subhanalah]

Well, now you have a grow out coop for babies next year once you build your bugged coop.
Look on the bright side...sometimes...you just have to commit. (This is a joke about a survival show, lol, sorry if you don't know what I'm talking about!)

 

[Joshua G]

Sorry, havn't seen the show
The good thing is I can reuse most of the materials from the first coop in rebuilding the second one.

 

[aart]

Once you get your flock size down, lock them in the coop for a few days. That might habituate them to laying in the nests.

 

[Joshua G]

Once you get your flock size down, lock them in the coop for a few days. That might habituate them to laying in the nests.

Will try it, thanks.