Wont go in, won't lay in nest box

[Mummak]

Im afraid yes. I wondered too about the ventilation and thought it could be the reluctance for them to go in.

was thinking to get more ventilation cut into the top ( not roof) and bore a few small holes near to bottom section

 

[3KillerBs]

Heat and ammonia both rise. It's probably stuffy and unpleasant in there.

Each adult, standard-sized hen needs 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, which is best located above their heads when sitting on the roost.

If you show us interior and exterior photos of the entire setup we can help you improve things.

 

[Mummak]

that's kind, thank you.
Was thinking to cut out under the eves, and attach wire mesh of course..

 

[3KillerBs]

that's kind, thank you.
Was thinking to cut out under the eves, and attach wire mesh of course..View attachment 2742539View attachment 2742541View attachment 2742542View attachment 2742543View attachment 2742544View attachment 2742545View attachment 2742546View attachment 2742547View attachment 2742548

I have to work outside this morning before the temperatures climb, but I'll think on options.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Because the coop opens into a roofed run area, you can put quite a lot of ventilation on the wall facing into the run, as the roof will help protect it from the weather.

And under the roof peaks would also be a spot to consider adding vents, though the overhang isn't that big, so baffles or louvered covers over vents in those spots may be needed.

 

[ferdie]

having the exact same problem!

[quick context: I'm new to the amazing world of silkies... about a month ago we got a roo and four chicks to cheer up a brahma who was a bit depressed after the last of her buddies of many years had passed. they had some trouble finding their way into the hen house, but managed (jumped first, then learned to work the ramp). we were so mesmerized by them that we got four more chicks this past weekend...]

so the new residents are staying at a different coop for now just to make sure everyone is healthy before getting them together. and boy could they be any more different?! the new ones are totally ground sleepers who pile up. will come down by themselves in the morning but won't go anywhere near the ramp at night.

do you think once they are all together the older ones will teach them the way? should we try to speed this up?

I've read somewhere that a good strategy for introducing new members is placing them in the hen house when everyone is ready to go to the bed. have any of you tried that? any tips?

also: one of the new ones started laying today. was completely stressed out and pacing until I placed her inside the nest box (the egg was out within the hour!). another one was just as loud, but wouldn't relax or stay in the nest. she got quieter later, so assuming she should begin laying soonish.