Not Using Nesting Boxes ???

[merrymutts]

My hens have decided that they're not going to use their nesting boxes and I am wondering if it's due to weather ?

there is adequate ventilation and a couple hens will lay their eggs on some straw behind the feed containers but that's about it.

They all go into the coop at night so I am guessing that there isn't anything in there to scare them.

 

[sourland]

Check the nest boxes to make sure that they are not mite infested.

 

[RWise]

I use golf balls (fake eggs) in the nests I want them to use, and for most that works. Some of the girls want to hide their nest outside, for them I provide an outside the coop nest (on top of a bachelor pad). This satisfies the others that wish to hide their eggs from me.

 

[TK421]

My hens will stop using the nestbox when it gets reallly hot outside. My nestbox is an exterior one so it warms up in the late summer. Maybe something similar is happening w you

 

[merrymutts]

yes..... the boxes extend outward on the west side of the coop....so my first thought on the heat was probably the correct one.

Thank you

 

[merrymutts]

Can I use Seven dust ?

 

[aart]

Can I use Seven dust ?

Don't use anything until you know it's needed.
Can you ventilate the nests?
Did this just start as the heat came on?

 

[merrymutts]

I can turn the fan toward the nests to better ventilate them but otherwise what's in the coop is good but that's it. I can also move another fan into the coop, though

and Yes...this just started as the heat came into play

 

[aart]

and Yes...this just started as the heat came into play

Well, check nests for bugs, best to do well after dark with a strong flashlight...
if no bugs then it's probably the heat.