New Layers

[Gategitter]

Howdie from Texas I have 3 pullets that I raised. Along with 3 older hens. The littles have started to lay but the older ones have not. They are laying on the ground. I have 5 gallon bucket nests there but they seem uninterested. Is there any way other than golf balls (done done it) that will encourage them to lay in the nest?? Thanks in advance

 

[DiYMama540]

Well if you get one to start laying in the box, the rest will surely follow.
Pics of your boxes may help.
Also, are they laying on the ground of the coop, or in their run? Do they free range?

 

[Gategitter]

They are laying in the house just not in the nest. I redid their roost this afternoon and raked all the hay and such from underneath the roost. I also put those old wire doors under there so that will deter the scratching Maybe.....

 

[aart]

Along with 3 older hens. The littles have started to lay but the older ones have not.

Did you just get these older hens...or have you had them for awhile and they've used those nests before??

 

[Gategitter]

The 3 older ladies I have had for a while. And they use a nest but havnt started laying yet. I redid their nest system that allows for very little solitude unless they are in a nest.

 

[aart]

And they use a nest but havnt started laying yet.

What do they use the nests for if they aren't laying?

I've found buckets to be a bit small...best to have a front on the lower part of them...and they need to be held stable somehow.

 

[Gategitter]

Hahaha. I meant that the 3 older hens have used the nests in the past but havnt started laying again. (They stopped back in the fall)

 

[Gategitter]

Well good news !! All eggs were in the buckets this time !!! Can’t wait to see if this is a double !!