Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: nickmarriott on May 30, 2011, 09:46

Title: getting my chickens onto there nesting box
Post by: nickmarriott on May 30, 2011, 09:46

I have purchased 2no blue star and 2no speckeld rock they seem to not want to go into there ample nesting box which i have built on the coop - i have built everything from bits and bats i had lying around - and to be honest i have kept quails before but not chickens - i can add another nesting box near to the ground compartment of the coop - however the chicks dont seem to understand that if they just walked up some steps they have a loft apartment - any tips ?
They are 14 weeks old and want them for eggs then good eating !
nick m - novice chicken keeper

Title: Re: getting my chickens onto there nesting box
Post by: bantam novice on May 30, 2011, 14:19

Hello Nick and welcome to the forum  :)
We are a friendly lot here and love pictures!  How about some of your girls and their accommodation?  :D
About your five-star accommodation - Are your hens laying yet?  They start using their nesting boxes when they start laying.  They just may not be ready yet.
I am not an expert and I'm sure some more experienced members will be along to advise you.  In the meantime good luck and keep us posted.

Title: Re: getting my chickens onto there nesting box
Post by: Lindeggs on May 31, 2011, 04:44

Hi Nick, I think the Bantam is onto something here.  :)  Are you wanting your chickens to lay in the nest boxes or sleep in them?  Generally chickens will sleep on a roosting bar (not a round perch like a parrot would have) and they only use the nest box when it's time to lay an egg.

A photo of your setup would be really helpful.  Some of the experienced chicken-keepers might be able to spot if there is something about your nest boxes that would put the chickens off using them.  For four hens you probably only need one decent-sized nest box.