How do I get my ladies to use the nesting box?

[unionhillchix]

Painting the box black would make it seem cozier and safer.

 

[yellowchicks]

I added a lip. Should I also paint the box black? This forum is so so so helpful.

I went for a "chicken poop" brown color for the nest boxes, using golf mat as bedding and a fake wooden ball sewn into the mat.

Here my girls were checking out the nest boxes when when they were around 20 weeks old, just before laying. Looks dark and cozy enough for them to sense that this was a secured area inside the coop.



Here they are one year old, consistent layers. They all insist that they have to lay in the nest boxes no matter what. If the coop door was closed by accident, they will scream until the door is opened so they can rush into the nest boxes to lay eggs.

 

[johnjenn2004]

Wow your coop looks awesome. I just painted the inside of the nesting boxes navy blue because that is what I had. Hopefully once it dries the ladies will enjoy.