Question about nesting box

[LilyRoseDaisy]

Hi,
everyone here seems to agree that no matter how many nest boxes you give your hens, they still all fight to use just the same one.

My problem is that I live in a city, with a lot of neighbors near-by. My 3 hens just started laying for two weeks, and we have a large box for all of them. Today one of them sat in there for 2-3 hours, while the other two were screaming at her trying to get in! The noise could be heard by at least 30 houses around us! We are likely to be kicked out if this continues!

Should we build another nestbox so this kind of crazy things don't happen again? Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

 

[chickengirl_23]

Ok I'll tell you now, this happens to me all the time. You have a special duty to quiet down this broody hen. First you have to calm her down (don't be scared

) walk in the nesting area quietly and stroke the hen gently. You can't blame her she's showing her territory instincts. So, if she doesn't stop offer her some feed or water (warning this may bring the hen to the feeder but she'll go back) Never always assume this is a broody problem! Chicken use simular squacks to wran about a predator! Always check on her! She may try to nip you when you stroke her, but stay with her until she quiets down, unless she appears to being squacking at you.

You may want to move away the other hens. I heard that building a nestbox besides the one you have and putting a fake egg (rock or other egg shaped looking thing) in the hay. Last thing is offer the broody hen small pieces of grapes or other treats . Good Luck!