Nest boxes have been opened!!!

[RebelEgger]

My flock of EE turned 14 weeks old on Sunday so I celebrated by opening up their nest boxes! I know they aren’t near laying age but I read a previous post on here about opening them up once they’re roosting well, that way if you end up having any nest box sleepers you can correct it before the nest boxes are in use. 2 nights so far and everyone still going to the roost bar.

I read the article by @Shadrach (Nest boxes: why do we make a sitting hens job so difficult) and this inspired me to try the coconut husk baskets. That way when the girls are in there hopefully they will be able to create a nice comfy hollow and be happy with their nest. I stacked the straw in all around it to make them secure from flopping around and put some in the center of each basket to give them something to scratch.

Will it work? I don’t know. Hopefully but if not and I end up tossing them I’ve only lost $6. Has anyone else tried them?

What do you think? Do the nest boxes look welcoming and cozy? Would you lay an egg there? Should I change anything?

As a side note, nice our coop is Star Wars themed, I’ve named the nest box area Docking Bay 94. Sign coming soon. I’ve included photos of the girls as well.

Lizabeth

Roberta

Genevieve

 

[LaFleche]

These baskets will topple over when a hen tries to enter. Better to bury them level in the bedding.

'Roberta's toes seem to be all bent. She will be in need of special foot care further on, so watch out for sores and injuries on a regular basis.

 

[RebelEgger]

@LaFleche
Yes poor Roberta has been a trainwreck from day 1. I inspect her frequently and have started to trim her toe nails as well because they don’t get wear on them as much as they should due to the curling. Unfortunately for her I didn’t know about making her boots to try and correct it until it was too late.

Regarding the nests, yes I tried to prevent the toppling by securing the straw around them but I will add more! Thanks!

 

[Chicalina]

Love the star wars theme!

Take the bowls out. It will more likely deter them laying! It is just too much faffing. Golf balls good. Hens will lay where they feel it is safe. You don't need to meddle.

It is so exciting getting your first eggs, but don't overthink everything!

 

[aart]

These baskets will topple over when a hen tries to enter.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[RebelEgger]

Love the star wars theme!

Take the bowls out. It will more likely deter them laying! It is just too much faffing. Golf balls good. Hens will lay where they feel it is safe. You don't need to meddle.

It is so exciting getting your first eggs, but don't overthink everything!

It is exciting! And not overthink it?? Then I wouldn’t be me!!! Lol
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Chickassan]

I'd screw the bowls down loosely so they don't topple or affix strong magnets to the bottoms.
Some hens like bowls but if it flips just once she'll likely avoid it forever.

 

[aart]

And not overthink it?? Then I wouldn’t be me!!!

Actually believe you are under-thinking it.
The second they step on the side of that bowl it will flipp-ing freak them out.
Romance meets Reality.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Actually believe you are under-thinking it.
The second they step on the side of that bowl it will flipp-ing freak them out.
Romance meets Reality.

I can already see the flying and hear the screams the minute the bowl flips towards them. Their short little lives will flash before thei eyes

 

[Chicalina]

It is exciting! And not overthink it?? Then I wouldn’t be me!!! Lol
Thanks for the advice.

Its hard to do I know, and I should really take my own advice too, but rarely do! lol