(Lots of help needed) Do you need to teach your hens to lay in their nesting box!

[Chickie46]

Today my hens started to lay their first egg :yiipchick (first time having chickens) This is probably a dumb question but do I need to teach my hens to lay eggs in their nesting boxes if so how do I teach them? I found the first egg outside or will the hens pick up that they need to lay in their nesting boxes. Thanks for any kind of help!!

 

[SueT]

Yes teach them by putting fake eggs in the nest boxes. Golf balls will do, ceramic eggs, etc. Once they begin laying in a place they get attached to it! Good luck!

 

[redsoxs]

They usually get the hang of it quickly if the nest box is comfy and kind of dark inside. Some people use fake "eggs" like golf balls and the like and place them in the nest box to encourage the girls to lay there. Good luck to you!

 

[Cynthia12]

I use golf balls, and Sue is right! They will get used to where they are laying. Good luck.

 

[Chickie46]

Thanks everyone for your help it has all worked out well as they are all using the nesting boxes now.