Should I leave the nesting box lid open for chickens to go into?

[Jgrice]

Hi there, I am curious - should I leave the lid of my nesting box open for the chickens to access for laying, or should I just let them walk up inside through the coop to get to the nesting boxes? I’ll attach picture.

 

[sourland]

Allow them to access the nest boxes through the coop. They like the security of a closed nest, and with the lid open predators might have access to the eggs.

 

[hysop]

Leave the door open so they can walk inside. Not the nesting box lid. They like dark private places to lay their eggs.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I agree, lid closed. Put ceramic eggs in each nest.
I only have brown and beige egg layers, so I bought white ceramic eggs so I wouldn't accidentally collect them.

I put the fake eggs in the nests when pullets are around 15 weeks old. GC

 

[Jgrice]

I agree, lid closed. Put ceramic eggs in each nest.
I only have brown and beige egg layers, so I bought white ceramic eggs so I wouldn't accidentally collect them.View attachment 2076416
I put the fake eggs in the nests when pullets are around 15 weeks old. GC

Thank you! I’ve also heard it suggested I should put golf balls in there. Does that work?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thank you! I’ve also heard it suggested I should put golf balls in there. Does that work?

I've never used them, but many on BYC do.
At least you won't mistakenly collect them. GC

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thank you! I’ve also heard it suggested I should put golf balls in there. Does that work?

Golf balls do work, but not as well as regular fake eggs. At least, that's the case for me.
My girls prefer the fake egg I have instead of golf balls.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've always used golf balls, never had an issue with it. Occasionally the chickens will punt one out of the box (when gearing back up to lay after winter, or a new layer) but generally they seem to like them.

 

[aart]

I've always used golf balls, never had an issue with it. Occasionally the chickens will punt one out of the box (

That would be chip or putt, right?

Golf balls work fine as fake eggs.
I've tried switching them up, GB in some nests, fake eggs in others, made no difference.
Favorite nest of the day or week seems determined by wherever first egg of the day is laid or location.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That would be chip or putt, right?

*Groans*...