Hens won't use nesting boxes

[backyardfarmer2]

is there any way I can get my girls to use the nesting boxes instead of the ground they are partridge silkies. I ordered fertile eggs for them to brood, should I just let them nest wherever?

 

[ameliadanielle]

Is it a box they would have to jump into? Maybe try a box or crate laid on it's side on the ground where they have been laying eggs so they can just walk into it. Put an egg or two inside it. Maybe they will use it then. Then you might be able to slowly move it to a better location a little at a time.

But I'm having trouble getting my hens to lay in their boxes instead of a hobbit hole our dog dug into the yard. Lol. So I'm in the same boat.

 

[backyardfarmer2]

Is it a box they would have to jump into? Maybe try a box or crate laid on it's side on the ground where they have been laying eggs so they can just walk into it. Put an egg or two inside it. Maybe they will use it then. Then you might be able to slowly move it to a better location a little at a time.

But I'm having trouble getting my hens to lay in their boxes instead of a hobbit hole our dog dug into the yard. Lol. So I'm in the same boat.

Good idea. Yeah they have to jump slightly to get into it, the one girl I had who used it died.