Nest boxes

[ginnymarie]

We are in the process of redesigning our coop. There is a coop inside the barn that was there when we moved in. Their chickens were never locked in the coop, free ranged all day. The nest boxes are outside of the coop. Being first timers, when the previous owner told us he just leaves them out all the time, we didn’t know any different until they were all attacked and gone. We have since gotten new chickens and we do let them free range but locked them up at night. At first we had the nest boxes in the coop but today we took them out when redoing things. I’m trying to figure out if having the boxes in the coop are best or if outside would work? If outside is common, how do I get them to see the boxes already there on the other side of the barn? Here are some pictures for reference. We are still learning a lot and are in the process of improving the whole thing so any suggestions are welcome. The coop is in the back left corner of the barn and the boxes are along the right side of the barn about in the middle.

So inside or outside of the coop nest boxes. If outside, is just putting fake eggs in the boxes enough to get them to lay in there?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I suggest you put them inside. Because if it's winter, they likely won't go outside to lay in them. Also, don't know if you have dogs, or cats. But they like eggs, and will try to get them. Just my opinion.

 

[jthornton]

Do they "free range" in the barn or do you have to open the coop up each morning at sunrise? Chickens like to lay eggs where other chickens have, I assume they think it is a safe place to lay. So fake eggs is a good thing to try. As I'm typing this I'm watching my pullets to see who will go in the new and improved nest box on the chicken run camera.

JT

 

[aart]

I'd attach the nests to the outside of the coop wall so you can collect the eggs from outside the coop but can lock the birds in the coop when you inevitably have to 'train' them to use the nests.

I have a similar setup, coop built in large shed, pics of wall mounted nests here.

 

[ginnymarie]

Do they "free range" in the barn or do you have to open the coop up each morning at sunrise? Chickens like to lay eggs where other chickens have, I assume they think it is a safe place to lay. So fake eggs is a good thing to try. As I'm typing this I'm watching my pullets to see who will go in the new and improved nest box on the chicken run camera.

JT

The are locked up in the coop at night then free range the rest of the time. We put some fake eggs in the existing nest boxes yesterday so we will see if that does the trick!

 

[ginnymarie]

I'd attach the nests to the outside of the coop wall so you can collect the eggs from outside the coop but can lock the birds in the coop when you inevitably have to 'train' them to use the nests.

I have a similar setup, coop built in large shed, pics of wall mounted nests here.

That’s what I was thinking we might have to do that. Thank you for the suggestion!!

 

[aart]

Where they lay is a 'habit', a very strongly ingrained habit.
Sometimes you'll have to manipulate them to change that habit,
like confining them to coop until they form the new habit of laying in coop nests.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.