Switching Nest Boxes

[cadeschicks]

This is a complete newbie question. I had been procrastinating on building a box or even getting some kitty litter buckets from a friend and couldn't find any store-bought boxes for a price I was willing to pay, so I had finally stuck a cardboard box in the coop since I needed something before they started laying. I finally got my first eggs earlier this week.

Of course, now that they're laying, I finally found the perfect cheap nest boxes.

As excited as I am to introduce fabulous new nest boxes and get the shabby cardboard box out of their coop, I am worried that girls will be confused if I suddenly yank their familiar cardboard box. The new boxes are black, plastic stack-n-store totes with lids, so they look a bit different, and I am worried that they'll be spooked by the change and start laying elsewhere. I thought I could put the new boxes next to box for a while. But, what if they just keep laying in the cardboard box and still don't take to the new boxes.

It's clear that I have already put too much thought into this process. What have y'all done when switching to different style nest boxes? Have your chickens ever decided to take their egg laying elsewhere in protest, or do they not care nearly as much as I am worried they will?

 

[CrazyChookz]

My chickens actually take the slightest notice of the nest boxes, and lay where-ever they feel is safe.

Try putting the nest box next to the cardboard box, or where the box usually is. Then put a dummy egg in. This encourages them to lay in the nest box because a hen will more likely lay where an egg is.
You can buy ceramic or concrete dummy eggs which are expensive, or make your own. all you need for a homemade egg is an old eggshell(whole) cut in half. Fill it with dirt sand etc. and glue or tape it together.

Good Luck!