Nesting box question

[tori8780]

We just set up our nesting boxes this past weekend as our hens are about 19 weeks old now and we wanted to be prepared. We screwed the boxes into the wall and filled them with straw and a couple golf balls each. Well, I went out a couple hours later and the girls scratched all the straw out of the boxes. How can I prevent them from doing this and encourage them to use the boxes for what they are for? Thanks for your help!

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

A board across the front will create a lip that makes it harder for them to drag out the bedding. You could also try wood shavings, I have better luck keeping that in the nestboxes.

 

[Kelsie2290]

X2 what RCHD said, a higher lip on the front of the nesting boxes. I like a good 4-6", and use a mix of straw and shavings inside... I always keep fake eggs/ golf balls in the nests also. If the boxes are much off the ground, you might want to have a perch in front for them to hop on to make it easier for them to go in the boxes. Good luck with your girls, hope you get that first egg soon!