How much pine shavings should you put into the nesting box?

[johnjenn2004]

I have 6 red sex link girls and one just started dropping eggs while she slept off her roost. I am trying to teach them to use their nesting boxes. How much shaving do you put in the nesting box? Here is a pic of my nesting boxes.

 

[GitaBooks]

I like the yellow eggs!

Here are some tips for making a good nest box:

Dark and not roomy but not cramped
Bedded enough that the hen can feel like she can shape out a bowl (my hens will nest on nearly bare ground, but they seem to like a bowl shape)
Bedding that prevents eggs from breaking
A lip that prevents hens from digging eggs and nesting material
And of course those nice fake eggs!

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2

Your nesting boxes are too open...close them up with more of a shoe box feel...12 x 12 x 12 inches. I can't tell your dimensions from the photo, but you might have enough room to make double decker nest boxes.

Pine shavings deep enough to wallow in without hollowing out to bare wood.

Lip in front to keep shavings from being kicked out.

LofMc

 

[johnjenn2004]

I added a lip on front and back as well as some more eggs. I also added a picture of nesting box compared to my girls to see if dimensions are correct. Should I paint the nesting box black? This website and forum are so helpful to the rookies such as me.

 

[sjturner79]

I added a lip on front and back as well as some more eggs. I also added a picture of nesting box compared to my girls to see if dimensions are correct. Should I paint the nesting box black? This website and forum are so helpful to the rookies such as me.

They look about right. Make a nest shape in the middle and put the eggs there instead of in the corners