Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: KeithC]
#6495838
03/19/19 10:14 PM
03/19/19 10:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 63,123 Minnesota
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There are a lot of good responses.
Pullets, hens that have just started laying, frequently lay on the floor. Once their eggs are full sized, hens almost always use nest boxes. If your hens just started laying, they might start laying in the boxes, on their own, once the eggs are a more viable size.
Keith Theyve been laying since october... and heres the deal. Ive had 5 other batches for 2 years each batch. Silver laced wyandotte s were the first. 4 other breeds, in 12 years these are the Only ones that havent used those same nestboxs. So Ill try curtains , after that Im getting some more birds...this group is ticking me off.
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495857
03/19/19 10:34 PM
03/19/19 10:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23,653 New Hampshire
Nessmuck
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My nests / boxes were 15x15 like a desk drawer.....nothing ovah the top....and most of the time ,they all laid their eggs all in the same nest. I had 4 nests for 12 Barred Rocks
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495858
03/19/19 10:35 PM
03/19/19 10:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132 SWMo.
tjm
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I've had 6 breeds of Laying hens in this coop over a 12 year ...All of the different flocks have all used the nest boxs. That surprises me after seeing the picture of those plastic bins. The slick plastic would hard to get footing on and impossible to keep straw in. And the bins look huge, although that might be lack of scale. My boxes were much cozier Maybe try a smaller nest box, sounds funny but those barred like tighter quarters Typically for Barred Rock, Reds, Orpingtons, gamehens, etc I build boxes 12"WX12"HX12-16"deep, with 2"-3" strip across the bottom to keep grass clippings from falling out. When they are free all day ~20% will hide their eggs, but if left closed up til 11AM most will lay in the boxes, always one that will hold out waiting to go to her hide. If too many hide out I'll keep them all up for 3-5 days and that usually cures the hideouts for a while. Never had hens do what you describe. >looking back at that picture; I would first put a 1X6 across the bottom and layer in some straw and then reduce the opening ~8" highX8-10" wide with curtains or what ever.
Last edited by tjm; 03/19/19 10:41 PM.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Zim]
#6495956
03/20/19 06:46 AM
03/20/19 06:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,085 SEPA
Lugnut
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Chickens are interesting for sure. Tell me why when there are 4 identical nest boxes that all 6 (insert # here) birds will lay in the same box.
Zim I only have three nesting boxes but I have the same problem, all the chickens like to use the box on the right. All the boxes are identical. I’ve seen two chickens in that box at the same time with a third try to squeeze its way in.
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495959
03/20/19 06:53 AM
03/20/19 06:53 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Lugnut
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL They've had straw and wood shavings dozens of times...they kick it out onto the coop floor in a couple hours You need to put a four or six inch board up in front of those totes to keep them from kicking the nesting material out. They’re probably trying to scratch out a depression to lay the eggs in. That’s what my chickens do. If they can’t get it hollowed out just right they won’t use it. In your case, while they’re trying to make a nest, all the material is getting kicked out the open front. So they say the heck with it and lay on the floor where there is nesting material. That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it!
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496031
03/20/19 09:25 AM
03/20/19 09:25 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
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potter co. p.a.
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had a hen yesterday that wanted to fight me for the eggs.told her she had to wait another month but don't think she agreed.luckily i'm bigger than her.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Law Dog]
#6496047
03/20/19 09:40 AM
03/20/19 09:40 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 604 New York
ponyboy
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL x2
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: ponyboy]
#6496052
03/20/19 09:45 AM
03/20/19 09:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 63,123 Minnesota
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL x2 Already answered that!!! X3
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496057
03/20/19 09:46 AM
03/20/19 09:46 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 217 Central Maryland
E.Shell
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I see some very good suggestions above, and to me the boxes are too slick, too wide-open and possibly on the big side too, although I acknowledge that you have had hens use them in the past.
Usually hens like it private for laying, hence the "hidden eggs" mentioned above. I would stand a 1x4 or 1 x 6 up on edge across the front of the row of boxes to make a ledge/dam to help retain bedding and provide them a step up/step down into the nest. I would also drape something flexible across the top of the row of boxes to let them duck under to get in, or provide split 'curtains' as suggested above, to make it darker in the nest box. Once the hen has good footing and a private, secure/perceived safe place to lay, she should be good to go. If not, there's always the stew pot.
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496069
03/20/19 09:58 AM
03/20/19 09:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,854 Wisconsin
The Beav
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Buy your eggs from the store problem solved. LOL
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496176
03/20/19 12:37 PM
03/20/19 12:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,085 SEPA
Lugnut
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Looks a lot more inviting that way, if I was a hen I’d lay my eggs in there!
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496184
03/20/19 12:45 PM
03/20/19 12:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,923 Central, SD
Law Dog
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Try putting them in their at night when they are in zombie mode maybe?
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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