When to put in the nesting boxes

[aart]

I wouldn’t use the ones with holes in the end probably more difficult to seal. Did your test work?

When I shopped for them, they all had the holes.
Yes.

 

[Melky]

I put in a nesting box but my hen decided that the floor is a better place to lay her clutch of eggs, even when I gather them to put into the nesting box she still refuses to use it. I think she does it out of spite.

Some feel that means the hen feels it is insufficient or not safe enough to use. Did you try keeping the hen in where the nesting box is located in the chicken coop for awhile till lays then letting the hen out into the run?

 

[Kat2141]

I put in a nesting box but my hen decided that the floor is a better place to lay her clutch of eggs, even when I gather them to put into the nesting box she still refuses to use it. I think she does it out of spite.

Mine used the nest box until the time changed and it was dark when she came down to lay her egg. Then she kept laying it on the floor under the nest box. I put a strand of LED Christmas lights in on a timer and she went back to using the box.

 

[Phaedra Winters]

I think the whole hens sleeping in nest boxes is funny because I never have issues with my hens sleeping in the nest boxes- but my rooster does! It's also only ever in one nest box, one the ladies don't use, so I see no harm in it and just leave him.

 

[Kat2141]

I think the whole hens sleeping in nest boxes is funny because I never have issues with my hens sleeping in the nest boxes- but my rooster does! It's also only ever in one nest box, one the ladies don't use, so I see no harm in it and just leave him.

He just likes a nice cushy bed LOL probably figures he's on full alert all day, so he deserves a break

 

[Melky]

I think the whole hens sleeping in nest boxes is funny because I never have issues with my hens sleeping in the nest boxes- but my rooster does! It's also only ever in one nest box, one the ladies don't use, so I see no harm in it and just leave him.

I haven't blocked mine but recently read a BYC article that if don't when young pullets may have problems with dirty nests and eggs. So I blocked mine today with my DIY effort and will see if this trains them not to sleep in nest boxes.When eggs are approaching I will block at night and open first thing in morning and hope they do not put an egg somewhere else. See my DIY nesting box blockers free to make. Just use some USPS free mail pouches two taped together folded flat and cut to size to block. I used two small pieces of packing tape to secure each top that is easily removable to open boxes in am when hens ready to lay. Goldie is posing for the picture. Perfect!

 

[Phaedra Winters]

He just likes a nice cushy bed LOL probably figures he's on full alert all day, so he deserves a break

Haha, probably! Hay is nice and cushy
I've also had to throw a cat or two out of the nest boxes...LOL