about my new chickens

**Glutton4...** · 06-06-2010, 09:40 PM

Try getting some golf balls or fake eggs, to put in the nest-boxes, they'll soon get the message. Ideally, a nest-box should be covered and dark, not open for all to see - Hens prefer peace and quiet to lay their eggs. Then they can go back out and squawk about it afterwards!

**kittykat8** · 07-06-2010, 11:58 AM

will try but proper nest boxes will not be built until july, it hard to describe but my hens seem to love their house it has a window so when they are on they perch they can see out just realised this. It is a very big coupI can sit inside it and maybe knell in it I will have to get a picture, my birds are now starting to get friendly whenI climb in it the black cross rock jumps on the perch next to me

**RichmondHens** · 07-06-2010, 12:55 PM

Don't bother making them a nestbox - by the time July comes they will have developed their laying pattern/habit and trying to get them to change to laying in a nestbox may be hard work. Instead just make a cosy corner on the floor, with a big heap of shavings or straw which they can snuggle into, held in place by a few logs or pieces of wood round the edge. As long as it is not directly under the perches so they don't poo in it this should work ok.

**Suechooks** · 07-06-2010, 12:59 PM

I use cardboard boxes from the supermarket on their sides for nest boxes. Started doing this last year when the red mite struck and were living in the joins of the nest box. You can put one of the flaps down to help keep the box dark which might encourage them to lay in the box. It also helps prevent egg eating. Put a golf ball or similar in the box to give them the idea.

**Nicos** · 07-06-2010, 01:09 PM

I also use cardboard boxes. They have a choice of 4 and tend to head for the smallest one- several at the same time, often sitting on top of each other!!!

We used the wooden eggs to ge them into the habit- until one of them went broody on it!!!

**MaureenHall** · 07-06-2010, 02:20 PM

One of my latest "rescues" (a 2 year old Araucana) obviously has never seen a nest box in her life! The other 2 that came with her have started laying their eggs in the nest boxes, but Edna has decided that under the hedge, in the most awkward place possible, is the place she wants to lay and nothing's going to stop her

I'm now thinking of putting a box under there with a long piece of rope on it so I can pull it out when she's done

**jessmorris** · 07-06-2010, 06:20 PM

I use cardboard boxes too. They have two but always use the same one!

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