nest box training

[mrstomcat]

I have my chickens in an opened fence area. Inside the fenced area is their house and nesting boxes. They have just started laying but not one has laid an egg in the nesting boxes. How do I train them to go the the straw boxes instead of out in the yard or on the ground in the house?

 

[CheerioLounge]

Try placing a golf ball or fake egg in the nesting boxes so that get the idea that this is where they are to lay their eggs. I use plastic easter eggs and it works!

 

[kari_dawn]

golf balls or fake eggs in the nest boxes...or a light up neon sign with an arrow that says deposit eggs here!

 

[Fierlin1182]

Or you could try somehow fencing them in to the nest box area only, that always works.

 

[kari_dawn]

...you mean like velcro their butts to the box?

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Now, THAT there is funny, no matter where you are!

 

[Fierlin1182]

I'm not sure if that would work at all.

For starters, how would one get the velcro attached to the chicken?

 

[kari_dawn]

no kidding!

"You wanna put that WHERE?! I don't think so!"

 

[Frithest]

I've read that keeping them locked in the space (coop or what have you) where the nesting box is, until after they lay each day, helps. Give them no alternative but to lay there?
Beautiful girls, BTW. One of them looks just like one of mine.

 

[cmom]

Golf balls worked for me.