New member / New hens

[StevenY123]

Hi everyone.

i have been scouring the forums and decided to join as there are so many helpful answers out there. Myself and my wife have recently rescued three hens, built a secure coop and they seem to be eager to see and peck around their new surroundings. We got them on Saturday 28th feb 2020. A few days now. As we are new, we are eager to make sure they are very happy and comfortable. We may be a little obsessed lol.
I’d like some advice on how to get the hens used to going into their nesting box. I completely understand all of this is new to them and may not lay due to that, however they seem to be looking around for somewhere to lay.
They coop has a little ladder to the nesting box so I know they aren’t used to that at all.
My wife wants to create another little area for them to nest but I didn’t think that was a good idea as they’ll then be used to that.

sorry, so many questions lol. I hope to hear from all of you experienced owners and any help would be greatly appreciated.

thank you.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi and welcome to BYC!! It's nice to meet you!!
You can put fake eggs in the area where you want your girls to lay. Sometimes this gives them the general idea.
But don't be too alarmed if it takes them quite a while to start giving eggs again. Chickens don't like change, and it can put them off laying until they get used to their new home.

 

[StevenY123]

hi,

thank you for your prompt response. Very much appreciated. I seen some people use golf balls? For the time being, I’ve tried that.

The suns just come out so theyve come out to investigate.
Thanks again

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Steven, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Can you start a new thread in Managing my Flock with pictures of your coop, run and nest box arrangement? That will help.
Chickens cannot use ladders well. They can use ramps. But they can also fly up 24-34" to a perch to walk into the nest boxes. Pictures will help.
The nest boxes should be lower than the roosts. They also benefit from being sheltered from bright light.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Congrats on your new flock! I agree with the above comments, chickens don't climb ladders very well. Nest boxes should be low to the floor. My birds were never fooled by golf balls, but official ceramic fake eggs really help entice them as to where to lay.

Welcome aboard!

 

[StevenY123]

Hi everyone. Thanks all for the comments. I have posted another comment in the managing my flock forum with photos.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[N F C]

Hi Steven, congrats on your new flock!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi Steven and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us