How to get hen to use nesting box

[Farmerwife1]

I have 10 hens. The first one to lay an egg this morning, Layed it on the straw in front of their water bucket. I don’t know which chicken Layed the egg. How do I get them to use the nesting box?

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

Place the egg that she layed/golf ball or a wooden egg on the nest box and BAM! Tomorrow you’ll have her laying there.

Works every time!

 

[HuskerHens18]

Try putting golf balls or ceramic eggs in the nesting boxes, it kind of shows them what the boxes are for. It may take a few tries they're still learning

 

[CyberCountry]

Ususally chickens play 'follow the leader' when it comes to using nest boxes or new feeders. Leave some wooden eggs or golf balls in the nests to encourage them to lay there too.

You may just have one that's a little stubborn, though. Sometimes they just do what they want.

 

[aart]

I have 10 hens. The first one to lay an egg this morning, Layed it on the straw in front of their water bucket. I don’t know which chicken Layed the egg. How do I get them to use the nesting box?

Young birds that just started laying?
Fake eggs or golf balls in the nests will help, but it may take time for them to 'get it' especially if you have no older birds laying.
Make sure nests are easily accessed.

 

[Joe1962]

Worked for me. Ceramic eggs and they lay in the boxes every time.

 

[ASD Dad]

I still cant get my 3 to lay in their boxes. They all made nests outdoors and only lay in those nests! It is every day. I know exactly where to go get them but they refuse to use their boxes. I tried golf balls and real eggs. Doesnt matter, they totally ignore them.

Ideas?

These are all new layers.

 

[Fishkeeper]

What are the boxes like? Are the entrances large? Do they have room overhead when inside? Maybe the hens don't like the boxes.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I still cant get my 3 to lay in their boxes. They all made nests outdoors and only lay in those nests! It is every day. I know exactly where to go get them but they refuse to use their boxes. I tried golf balls and real eggs. Doesnt matter, they totally ignore them.

Ideas?

These are all new layers.

Try keeping them in the coop and/ or run for a couple of days, instead of free ranging. They will learn in time!!!! Good luck!!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Try keeping them in the coop and/ or run for a couple of days, instead of free ranging.

Yup try locking them in. Also I'd measure the nests to make sure they're large enough.