Having trouble getting the hens to use the nest boxes, suggestions?

I've put a golf ball in the nest box when I get new birds.

Mine never did, so I got of the nest boxes. They seem content to use on corner of the coop.

Make sure the boxes are large and dark I have seen 3 chickens in a nesting box before

I have also used golf ball trick with some success

Hobbie Trapper my grand Mother used to have a chicken wire door that she would lower and keep the first timers in to kinda train them.

Can you post a picture of the nest boxes? And chicken house in general for that matter.

Less light in the coop maybe they can be a challenge at times.

Cover the box entrance with strips of burlap, they want privacy while doing their business..

Hey, Hobbie Trapper. We had a fun thread about this some time back. If I can find it, I'll post a link.

Anyway, here are my opinions on the subject....

If you have pullets who have not produced eggs before, it can help to put a few fake eggs in your nest boxes at first to give them the idea that other hens are using them. Fake eggs for that purpose are sold at farm stores and in catalogs.

Almost all hens have an instinct to lay eggs in what they consider to be a safe place. For that reason, they will usually prefer nest boxes with curtains so the location seems a bit hidden. I conducted my own little experiment in this. I had four nest boxes: two on the top row and two below those. I placed curtains (pieces of fabric tacked down with a slit down the middle) over one top row nest box and over one bottom row nest box, leaving an open nest box next to each. All of my hens chose the covered nest boxes instead of the open ones, regardless of top vs. bottom row. Easy solution.

That same instinct for privacy and safety may drive certain breeds to run off and lay their eggs far away in a barn or other location of their choice. I have never had that happen with any of the hens here, but I have heard of it!

I hope this is helpful to you! I will find you photos too.

Patrice

Here's a photo of some of the boxes with curtains

The fabric just has a vertical slit in front of each box and it usually hangs closed, but when the girls crawl into a box, the fabric rolls inward like that.
(I took that because two of the girls decided to use the same box at the same time.)

Okay, found an old fitted sheet in the barn. Cut a couple patches, we’ll see if it works.

Appreciate the replies and the tips.

Mine Love the Privacy

Thanks Patrice

Too funny, 330!

Hobbie Trapper, let us know if you have any success!

Will do. Might be that the boss won’t let them go in there. Soon as I go in there he scuttles them in the corner away from me. lol

He likes a tight group.

Looks like he's keeping a close eye on things!

He actually came out the door trying to hit me as I left. Needs medicating. lol

I get rid of roosters as soon as they show up. Don't need the drama or pimp daddy. The girls sort it out on their own.

Why feed a roostah....no eggs,no feed.

It seems I have lost less of my free ranging hens with the addition of a rooster.