The Moment I’ve Been Waiting For! First Egg!!!

[BlueDawnRising]

If it feels like home theyll lay in it. Hens like being cozy when they lay.

Thank you!

 

[darelmac]

I’m so excited! She didn’t lay it in the nesting box but I suppose that will come with time. Any tips/tricks to make that happen would be appreciated but really I just wanted to celebrate a bit! View attachment 4120949

Leave an egg in the nest and they will usually start laying in the nest.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Leave an egg in the nest and they will usually start laying in the nest.

I will try that! I have 5 laying now and none in the nest box Thanks for replying!

 

[Bonnieboo]

I’m so excited! She didn’t lay it in the nesting box but I suppose that will come with time. Any tips/tricks to make that happen would be appreciated but really I just wanted to celebrate a bit! View attachment 4120949

Congratulations! The first egg is such a thrilling occasion. Enjoy

 

[Bsmac]

Congratulations to you and your girl! First eggs are magical!

Congratulations to you and your girl! First eggs are magical!

They are! I just had my latest Jersey Giant lay her first a couple days ago! Always fun!

 

[Bsmac]

I only have a picture during construction and left for an out of state conference right after finding this egg but I have a large Hen Gear roll out box that is mounted 31 inches off the ground (that was the recommendation of the company). I opened the “curtains” so they could see in and added several fake eggs. Recently, two of the magnets holding the curtains had fallen so only one was open when she actually laid the egg. I didn’t put any bedding, it comes with a mat that helps with roll out but could add some until they start laying there consistently. Do you think that might help?View attachment 4121128View attachment 4121129
This shows it in relation to the roosts/poop boards but this is an early picture. There is a ramp up to them now and the bar on the front of the nest box stays open. Food and water you see in this picture are no longer there but out in the run, which was still under construction when I took this picture, so the space under is open and quite light because it is opposite the door, which is open during the day.

I like the repurposing of an old grain bin!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

I like the repurposing of an old grain bin!

Thanks! We have had fun (and frustrations but mostly fun) trying to figure out how to use what we had as much as we could. We aren’t quite finished but getting close!

 

[Bsmac]

I like the repurposing of an old grain bin!

Thanks! We have had fun (and frustrations but mostly fun) trying to figure out how to use what we had as much as we could. We aren’t quite finished but getting close!

From my experience hens like some type of bedding in the nest box too. They like to move it around and create a bowl shape. Makes them feel cozy! 31 inches high for the boxes might be too high if you have heavy breeds like Jersey Giants, Brahmas and the like. Too far to jump out and land could lead to foot problems. I have both of those breeds and I have my boxes at 18 inches. Just a thought.

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

My boxes are closer to the ground too. And i have a ladder and a ledge for the nesting box that is about 1.5 ft from the bedded floor. I use dried moss (that was used as packing material) for their boxes.

 

[Bsmac]

My boxes are closer to the ground too. And i have a ladder and a ledge for the nesting box that is about 1.5 ft from the bedded floor. I use dried moss (that was used as packing material) for their boxes.

Yes! I also have a ledge and a ramp! Works well!