Will my hens find the nesting boxes?

[perrypogue]

Well, I'm very excited as I found 4 more eggs today from my 18 week old RIR hens ... total now of 5 eggs. But they aren't using the nesting boxes ... one was even outside on concrete ... the other 3 were together in a corner of the garage.

I've been allowing my birds to free range on my acre but stay afraid of an attack by either a dog, coyote or other.

It would be hard to confine them to their coop and pen but I suspect that would encourage the use of my nesting boxes in addition to ensuring their safety.

What would you do?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would confine them till they learn to use the nests. Daily Easter egg hunts get old fast.

Predator protection is a major concern.

Why would it be hard to confine them. Is the coop and pen too small?

 

[perrypogue]

No, I have a large predator proof pen and a large coop ... I think I've done like a lot on here seem to do ... I just enjoy seeing them in my yard and property.

But I know it would be for their own good to be confined to their coop/pen ... I need to get over the idea that they're my new 'pets'.

I'll try to be strong and tonight when they go to roost I'll close the gate. I could still let them out for a couple of hours in the late afternoon.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's what I would do. They're creatures of habit and wherever they get in the habit of laying eggs is where they'll always lay them.