Need help with laying and coop

[tangokilo]

Just built my coop and placed 2 RIR hens that are 2 years old in it. They wont use the coop at night nor will they lay eggs inside the nesting boxes. They have also barely been laying eggs. Any idea on what I can do?

 

[RedDrgn]

Physically place them in the coop (on a roost, preferably) at dusk and then shut the door and do not open it again until the following morning. A few nights of this should get the point across, but if it doesn't, then keep doing this until it sinks in.

As for the nest boxes, add golf balls or wooden eggs to the nest boxes so they get the idea.

 

[tangokilo]

Physically place them in the coop (on a roost, preferably) at dusk and then shut the door and do not open it again until the following morning. A few nights of this should get the point across, but if it doesn't, then keep doing this until it sinks in.

As for the nest boxes, add golf balls or wooden eggs to the nest boxes so they get the idea.

Fixed the photos, I've tried closing them in the coop a couple times, placed the on the roost inside the coop as well. On the eggs, I've also tried placing golf balls in their and nothing. Could the coop or pin be to small or the ramp going into the coop?

 

[devora]

They just need a lil' guidance. At dusk, not before, guide them up the ramp. Put them on the roost. If they get off, put 'em back on. If it's dark enough, they won't move.

One week, done. They'll get it. Chickens are smart (this is my new mantra).

Laying, similar. Put 'em in the nest w/ the golf ball. (Are you sure they are not in moult?)

Sometimes I gently tap their beaks w/ the ball then rub it on their breasts. Nope, nope, I did not just say that in print.

Anyway, they will get it. Coop looks adorable!

 

[RedDrgn]

Persistence pays off. Shut them in the coop every single night until they get it. Devora's right, they WILL get it, but you need to be persistent. Chickens like to stick to what they're familiar with, so if they've got somewhere they prefer to go, they'll never change unless they have to.

The coop and ramp look just fine for two hens to me.

If the golf balls aren't working, get some wooden or plastic eggs. Some are just picky like that.