problem with nest box no hens using.

[cornwellkidd]

I am pulling my hair out trying to get my hens to use the next box I made them 14 x 14 x 15 about 20 inch's off the floor I have a perch that is a 1 x 4 just under the box opening. This started 2 weeks ago one hen started to lay on the floor in front of the nest box now 2nd hen is laying there also so I tried putting stuff on the floor to block this and they just move the stuff I put in the way and lay 2 eggs a day on the floor. the hens are not that tame to keep putting in the nest box they free range so it gets to be a fight with the rooster to catch his girls. Help I am almost bald.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Try putting fake eggs, lots of bedding, and herbs in the nest. Make sure there is nothing wrong with the nests and make sure they are in some what dim light.

Here's some links too.

http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/01/nesting-box-herbs-chicken-aromatherapy.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679032/how-do-i-get-my-chickens-to-use-their-nest-boxes
http://smallfarm.about.com/od/farmanimals/a/5tipsnestboxes.htm
http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/08/30/how-can-i-get-my-hens-to-lay-in-their-nest-boxes/

 

[GOLDENSEABRIGHT]

buy fake eggs and place them inside the boxes. the reason both hens are laying there is cause when one hen lays an egg somewhere, the rest will lay there too

 

[cornwellkidd]

I have used golf balls also straw, pine shavings I painted the nest box black inside to get darker after a week of laying on floor and they still lay on the coop floor. Its a pain to get the eggs out of the coop as it is to deep 5 ft. to the back wall its 30 in. off ground. I tried most of the ideas I have read on here.