They refuse to use upper boxes

[MarkJr]

My pullets are decent size. I had 4 12x12 boxes at floor level. They were a little tight for our girls but they managed. We wound up with a traffic jam and eggs on the floor when all 10 started laying and a broody with a clutch using one for a nest. Wife and I revamped it to make 6 larger boxes. Broody took over the old coop that’s attached to same run, so we went with that too.

What is wrong with the boxes? I added platform in front of top boxes a week ago and still no takers.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Maybe add curtains or a small partition board across the front to make the entrance less wide open. They like to feel secure and secluded while doing their private business. The lower ones probably make them feel like they are hiding under something and less out in the open.

 

[MarkJr]

I have the technology. Curtains coming right up.

 

[MarkJr]

Snuck these on about 1130. As I was finishing up, one of the girls came in needing some privacy. I picked her up and set her in front of top left box. Came back after lunch, and was gifted this.

Thanks for the curtains tip. Seems she liked it enough to go on in and lay an egg. Hopefully they voluntarily use them now.

 

[aart]

I was just going to suggest some fake eggs in upper nests, and some time.
Watch those staples.<cringe>.
What is that curtain material?

 

[MarkJr]

I was just going to suggest some fake eggs in upper nests, and some time.
Watch those staples.<cringe>.
What is that curtain material?

Curtain is rubber impregnated canvas. Fake eggs have been in since day one.