One of my Dominiques in the nesting box
One of my Australorps in a nesting box made from a milk crate
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, especially when they start laying eggs. However, it can be frustrating if they are laying their eggs all over the place. Training your chickens to lay in the nesting boxes involves a few simple steps and a bit of patience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
1. Choose the Right Nesting Boxes
Before you start training, ensure you have the right nesting boxes. Here are some tips:
*Size: Each box should be about 12×12 inches and 12 inches deep. This size is comfortable for most laying hens.
*Location: Place the boxes in a quiet, dimly lit area of the coop to provide a sense of security.
*Number: Provide at least one nesting box for every 3-4 hens.
*Get Creative: It doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive. My husband and I had a few old milk crates and starting using them as nesting boxes and my hens seem to like them. You can even cut out one of the sides if you need easier access when collecting eggs.
2. Make the Nesting Boxes Attractive
Chickens are more likely to use the nesting boxes if they find them comfortable and safe:
*Bedding: Line the boxes with clean, soft bedding like straw, hay, wood shavings or nesting pads. This provides a comfortable laying surface.
*Fake Eggs or golf balls: Place ceramic or wooden eggs in the boxes (see link below to purchase). Golf balls work too. Chickens are influenced by seeing other “eggs” and will be more likely to lay there.
3. Encourage the Habit Early
Start training your hens as early as possible:
*Introduce Boxes Early: Have the nesting boxes ready before your hens reach laying age (around 16-20 weeks). This helps them get used to the boxes’ presence.
*Limit Free-Range Time: If your chickens free-range, keep them in the coop until mid-morning. Most hens lay their eggs in the morning, and this will encourage them to use the nesting boxes.
4. Provide a Clean and Safe Environment
Chickens prefer laying eggs in clean, safe spaces:
*Regular Cleaning: Keep the nesting boxes clean by removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh materials regularly.
*Check for Pests: Ensure the coop and nesting boxes are free from pests like mites and rodents that could deter hens from using the boxes.
5. Reward and Reinforce Positive Behavior
Use positive reinforcement to encourage hens to use the nesting boxes:
*Observation: Spend time observing where your hens prefer to lay their eggs. If you notice a hen laying outside the nesting box, gently move her to a box.
*Patience and Consistency: Training takes time. Be patient and consistent with your approach.
6. Troubleshoot Common Issues
If your hens are still not using the nesting boxes, consider these potential problems and solutions:
*Box Location: If the boxes are too high or too low, hens might avoid them. Adjust the height to ensure easy access.
*Crowded Coop: Ensure your coop isn’t overcrowded, as this can lead to stress and discourage laying in the boxes.
*Egg Eating: If hens start eating their own eggs, it can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or boredom. Ensure they have a balanced diet and enough stimulation because this is a habit not easily broken.
Conclusion
Training your chickens to lay in the nesting boxes requires a mix of providing the right environment, encouraging good habits, and being patient. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your hens lay their eggs in the nesting boxes, making egg collection easier and keeping your flock happy and healthy. Happy chicken keeping!
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