Hens not using the nesting boxes.

[rides2far]

I have 2/14 hens not using my nesting boxes. I have 4 boxes. They are large & roomy. They are painted a dark color. They have a bar in front so the hens can hop up easily. 12 hens are with the program. One of my Welsummers lays in the poop tray, one of my BOs lays in the run. I

have caught the Welsummer several times before she lays. I've tried putting her in the nesting box. She won't stay. Any advice on this situation?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Are they low in the pecking order? I have seen that with hens who are being bullied just a bit.

 

[rides2far]

No, but that was a good guess. It's more like they just don't get it! I usually don't have all 4 nesting boxes in use at the same time. I also cleaned & bleached a cat litter box for outside. I only have one ornery hen so far & she isn't pecking over the nesting boxes - only food!

 

[tina love]

I have 8 hens and they all want to use 1 of 4 nesting boxes. I went out the other day and out of curiosity and added different materials to the other ones that they weren't using. Low and behold they are using all 4 !!!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

No, but that was a good guess. It's more like they just don't get it! I usually don't have all 4 nesting boxes in use at the same time. I also cleaned & bleached a cat litter box for outside. I only have one ornery hen so far & she isn't pecking over the nesting boxes - only food!

I would put curtains over the front of the boxes to make it darker and more inviting.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/03/nest-box-curtains-more-than-fashion.html

I use covered kitty litter pans and they do like their privacy...maybe curtains would help? Also supposed to help prevent egg eating keeping it dark in there.

Just a thought!

 

[rides2far]

I have some curtains, I thought I'd wait until all were laying & used to the boxes, but maybe I should put them up. Hmmmm. Good idea, thanks!

 

[aart]

I would add a 3-4" front to the nests and maybe a wider perch (easier to navigate).

..or if your handy and have s nice chunk of plywood go for circle entrances!
During construction..changed 2x2 perch to 2x4 when I saw they are having trouble with the 2x2.

 

[rides2far]

That looks nice. If curtains don't work, I'll try that.

 

[aart]

That looks nice. If curtains don't work, I'll try that.

I'd rather cut wood than sew for the chickens(am adept at both)...lol.
Watch for loose threads on curtain material, they can get tangled in them.

 

[rides2far]

I can sew, but I hate it, so I bought 4 garden flags with a rooster on them - really cute. Loose threads shouldn't be a problem! Now I just have to figure out how to attach them for easy cleaning.