New To this. Hens don't seem to want to use coop or nesting box?

[irishlad]

Hello everyone

I have 2 days ago got 5 hens at point of lay.they seem very happy in their new home and the run I have built is very secure from foxes and mink etc so I am not worried about predators.

My concern(probably silly) is that they dont seem to want anything to do with the coop which is a modified barrel with clean straw bedding, or the nesting boxes which are big enough and also have fresh straw bedding.

They use roosts on the top of the coop at night and even today it is raining heavily and they are using shelter under the coop?

Are they just young and new to this and dont know to use the coop or am I doing something wrong?

Ps sorry about my grammar and punctuation, I am dyslexic

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Irishlad,

Chickens are funny - sometimes whatever you do for them they go and choose something else! How long did you leave them in the coop before letting them out into the run? Personally i leave new hens for 2 nights in the coop and they seem to know where to go after that.

You may wish to consider keeping them in the coop overnight until around 11ish in the morning - that way, any hen wishing to lay is more likely to use the nests. They tend to be creatures of habit so don't expect co-operation immediately!

All the best
CT

 

[irishlad]

it is an open coop within the run,maybe i have it set up wrong,i might try locking them in tonight though,Thank you for the reply I only have them 2 days now and I presume when they feel the urge to lay that instinct will kick in??

 

[Pork Pie]

You're welcome. Possibly you could try locking them in on a night time is the best way forward. Don't expect eggs for 2-3 weeks as the stress of a new home etc suppresses the urge to lay.

 

[irishlad]

yeah the guy i got them off is reputable from what I hear and he said they should be ready to lay in about a month,they are eating layers pellets and whatever I give them as treats

 

[Pork Pie]

Just a waiting game of patience mate - something nobody on BYC has when it comes to anything chicken!

 

[irishlad]

Lol I have patience,I just dont have experience

 

[Pork Pie]

Experience is easy to come by - patience is another thing completely! What i do know is that there are so many people on BYC with lots of experience, so you are in the right place for that.

All the best
CT

 

[irishlad]

Thankyou looking forward to the first egg whenever it may be

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!