Will Changing Nesting Boxes Cause a Coup in the Coop?

[Aunt Angus]

Real quick context:

My current nest boxes are 2 repurposed file crates (17" wide, 11" deep, 14" high). They are on a shelf inside my coop. My girls like them just fine. However, I built external ones that I want to use instead in order to make more room inside the coop. They are smaller (11" wide, 12" deep, 14" high). I have put off installing them because of worries my girls will mutiny.

1) Is the new size ok? I do have a big, beautiful Brahma.

2) Will they balk (no pun intended) at using them?

TIA!

 

[pennyJo1960]

May do one of each to start if possible or leave one o0f the old ones in

 

[Spartan22]

I do new nest boxes almost every year taking old ones and moving them to another place to accommodate new additions, no problem except some lays egg on the floor the first week or so, since they were used to the old ones.

 

[azygous]

Of course your hens will mutiny, and after they get over that, they will balk. But they will adjust. You have their need to lay in a secure place in your favor. I would suggest salting the new nests with some fake eggs, or even some hard boiled real ones. They'll get over their snit soon enough and get with the new program.

Just be sure they don't sneak into the bushes and lay there out of spite.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Of course your hens will mutiny, and after they get over that, they will balk. But they will adjust. You have their need to lay in a secure place in your favor. I would suggest salting the new nests with some fake eggs, or even some hard boiled real ones. They'll get over their snit soon enough and get with the new program.

Just be sure they don't sneak into the bushes and lay there out of spite.

That would be just like them. Spiteful little bitties...

It is a glorious day out here (70s and tons of sunshine). I am watching them dustbathe and stretch out in the sun. They look so pretty and peaceful. But they don't fool me.

 

[pennyJo1960]

is it such you could shut them in the coop so they have to lay inside for say a week

 

[Aunt Angus]

All great suggestions and truisms. When they first laid, it was under the yucca in the yard. A couple of fake eggs and moving a setting pullet made a difference.

I'm preparing to cut the coop siding to make room for the new boxes. They are standing in a little circle, watching me, having a chicken meeting, and plotting against me. I'm sure of it.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Got the new boxes up on the side of the coop this afternoon. As is my want, they are made from a cabinet I recycled from a neighbor's kitchen remodel.

I'm planning on just cutting "portholes" to allow access into the coop. So, they can't get in them just yet. I also have to get the people access door attached, but I want to caulk all the joints and paint first. Not bad for a city girl!

I coulda got it all done today, but the pretty spring-like weather made me laaaazzzyyyyy..... I will post pics when I'm done. It'll be a couple of weeks. Next weekend, hubby and I are headed to the coast to celebrate our 23rd anniversary! <3

Thanks again, my fellow BYCers! Love this place!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Enjoy cograts on the anniversary

 

[aart]

They are standing in a little circle, watching me, having a chicken meeting, and plotting against me. I'm sure of it.

Oh that cracked me UP...thanks for the guffaw.

And, you know they hate any change, you'll have to outsmart them to use the new nests.