Nest boxes question

[sunnie7]

My hens are now between 17-20 weeks and one duck started laying last week and one chicken 3 days ago. However all eggs have been on the coop floor in a corner and nesting boxes untouched. These were given to me by a friend that raised meat birds for years. Is it most likely because they are just starting to lay or do I need to do something differently with my set up and or nest boxes?!

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. Sometimes they like a spot better than what we provide. Have you tried golf balls or fake eggs in the nests?

 

[sunnie7]

Hi there. Sometimes they like a spot better than what we provide. Have you tried golf balls or fake eggs in the nests?

I have 2 fake eggs, I’m having a friend bring me some golf balls to work tomorrow.

 

[igorsMistress]

I have 2 fake eggs, I’m having a friend bring me some golf balls to work tomorrow.

I had a hen that never did use a nest box and one that did eventually after she started on the floor in the corner.

 

[Vickischics]

I have six laying Pullets and three boxes. They all lay in the box I put the three fake brown ceramic eggs in the box.
I can put them in any box and that's were they lay. If I only put 1 egg in each, I have problems. Two eggs, problems, three eggs Magic! All six lay their eggs in the same box. Golf balls did not work for me. They always kicked them out.
Here is a picture of Red moving the eggs to get them "just right". Then squaking and telling me "to leave me alone Mama!! Lol

 

[sunnie7]

I have six laying Pullets and three boxes. They all lay in the box I put the three fake brown ceramic eggs in the box.
I can put them in any box and that's were they lay. If I only put 1 egg in each, I have problems. Two eggs, problems, three eggs Magic! All six lay their eggs in the same box. Golf balls did not work for me. They always kicked them out.
Here is a picture of Red moving the eggs to get them "just right". Then squaking and telling me "to leave me alone Mama!! Lol

thanks!!! Maybe I should swap the straw for pine shavings too.

 

[Vickischics]

thanks!!! Maybe I should swap the straw for pine shavings too.

Idk that answer but, I use a mix of fine shavings on the bottom as lining and regular on top. Then a kinda make a lil dip in it and put the three brown ceramic eggs in there. I had to put lil "x's" on them so I knew.
They heat up nicely under my Pullets.
I've only had them kick one out when the girls were younger.
If someone hasn't laid yet when I let them out to free range, on my 3 acres, they Always come back to the box to lay.
Perhaps, they just love the boxes my husband and I built. Idk.

 

[aart]

Golf balls did not work for me. They always kicked them out.

Maybe because you have no front lip on your nests?
A 4-6" front can eliminate that problem.

Maybe I should swap the straw for pine shavings too.

Nah, straw is fine, just add the fake eggs to all but one nest(one of my pullets didn't like fakies) and be patient.
Have they been up to investigate the nests at all?
Might put a few up on the perch in front of nests to show them the way.
Your nests look great!

 

[sunnie7]

Maybe because you have no front lip on your nests?
A 4-6" front can eliminate that problem.

Nah, straw is fine, just add the fake eggs to all but one nest(one of my pullets didn't like fakies) and be patient.
Have they been up to investigate the nests at all?
Might put a few up on the perch in front of nests to show them the way.
Your nests look great!

I haven’t seen them investigating but I will put more fake eggs in this afternoon and introduce them to the nest boxes. Thanks!!

 

[Vickischics]

Maybe because you have no front lip on your nests?
A 4-6" front can eliminate that problem.

Nah, straw is fine, just add the fake eggs to all but one nest(one of my pullets didn't like fakies) and be patient.
Have they been up to investigate the nests at all?
Might put a few up on the perch in front of nests to show them the way.
Your nests look great!

That was a good thought about not having a lip on the front of the nesting boxes. But, I do have a 6" lip on the front. I think they knew they were Golf Balls and not eggs! LOL
Perhaps the golf balls were just not the right feel. LOL
Once I put the ceramic eggs in, BOOM! The girls are laying six eggs a day.
Then, I even tried two ceramic eggs and one golf ball. NOPE! the golf ball got the boot out of the nest. It was too funny.
But, I'm glad they are laying everyday.