How to Encourage Nest Box Laying

[CCsGarden]

Nope.

I have used some nesting herbs I found at the local feed store and the hens did go and lay in the boxes with them. Maybe you should look for some nesting herbs?

 

[GodLovesU]

I have used some nesting herbs I found at the local feed store and the hens did go and lay in the boxes with them. Maybe you should look for some nesting herbs?

I have an herb garden, what kinds are used for nesting?

 

[CCsGarden]

I have an herb garden, what kinds are used for nesting?

Here is the website

• https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2019/12/save-money-by-mixing-your-own-diy-dried.html?m=1

And the herbs

Calendula - helps to repel pests
Chamomile - helps to calm laying hens
Cornflower - pretty color, expensive, but a little goes a long way
Lavender - helps to calm laying hens, repels pests
Peppermint - helps to repel rodents
Rose petals - smells nice
Rosemary - helps to repel pests

Spearmint - helps to repel rodents

 

[GodLovesU]

I forgot to mention something, I left today for a 12 day trip and have been scatterbrained. WE GOT AN EGG IN THE BOX TODAY!!!!!

 

[GodLovesU]

My bantam lays in the boxes now, but the others are still figuring it out.

 

[RcoM]

Ceramic eggs. That’s how I get 24-7 free rangers to use nest boxes. Hens instinctively lay where other hens have laid. The presence of a previous egg tells them the nest box is safe.

Why ceramic? Because it glows like a real egg. Shine a real egg and a ceramic egg with a UV light. You’ll see they’re pretty close in color and glow intensity. Chickens see in UV. Eggs likely glow to their eyes. A fake egg that doesn’t glow probably doesn’t register as an egg at all when they look at it.

Love that tip- I moved away from ceramic after breaking a couple but my hen isn't "falling for" the wooden ones. I am trying to induce broodiness. She is usually a volunteer- proven.

So my question was can they tell fake from real- sounds like "maybe" and ceramic is closest!

 

[WingItRanch]

Love that tip- I moved away from ceramic after breaking a couple but my hen isn't "falling for" the wooden ones. I am trying to induce broodiness. She is usually a volunteer- proven.

So my question was can they tell fake from real- sounds like "maybe" and ceramic is closest!

That's funny because I tried using golf balls at first to encourage nest box use and my flock were not convinced. I finally found some realistic looking wooden ones and those worked like a charm.