Using all the nest boxes ??

mynewbabies

Chirping
6 Years
Mar 20, 2013
104
2
81
Harrington, Delaware
We have now up to 13 hens laying , we have 10 nest boxes for our total flock. They all want to roost on the top boxes at night, so they don't use them at all, the other 5 boxes they all seem to just use 2 of them all the time. How do I get them to use the other boxes??
 
We have now up to 13 hens laying , we have 10 nest boxes for our total flock. They all want to roost on the top boxes at night, so they don't use them at all, the other 5 boxes they all seem to just use 2 of them all the time. How do I get them to use the other boxes??
They seem to use the boxes that others are using. If they are roosting in the nesting boxes at night. I would try to close them off so they are encouraged to go to the roost. You can try putting artificial eggs in the other boxes. I have 50 with 10 nest I have seen them waiting their turn. I have also seen them just barge in and join another hen.
 
Our total flock is around 45 birds and 8 ducks, I think I would need all ten boxes once they all start laying. Maybe if I just close the very top so that their droppings don't go in the nest boxes, I can try putting artificial egg in those 5 boxes, or just move them to the bottom of the coop, if the fake egg doesnt work out. Some of my red hens will lay them in the floor area under where the first set of boxes are. I also have found two hens in one box, with so many still open for them to get in, crazy ladies they are. Thanks for your suggestion sure to give it a try .
How many of your flock is laying?
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom