4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[andy9196]

6 BHWT hens have arrived and are laying quite happily. The problem is some are laying under the cube, others in the nesting box. How do you get them to lay in the nesting box. Also at night couple of the hens settle down in the nesting box, is this normal or should I block the entrance off, so they all are together ?

 

I live in the countryside, so once they are accustomed to the cube, I will be able to let them free range (whilst we are about), and I dont want to be looking everywhere for the eggs !!!!

 

Cheers again

 

 

Still sorting the names out !!

[Egluntyne]

Why not place a couple of ceramic eggs in the nest box to give them the idea where to lay.

[the eggman cometh]

Also at night couple of the hens settle down in the nesting box, is this normal or should I block the entrance off, so they all are together ?

 

3 or 4 of mine also sleep in the nest box, they only do this on really cold nights though. I personally, dont think its anything to worry about.

[dancing cloud]

I also have 6 BHWT's and used Omlet's rubber eggs in the nestbox till they got the idea (didn't matter if they trod on them or kicked them around ). They did learn very quickly and now only lay elsewhere if the queue's too long and the egg won't wait. Sharing's a bit of an issue ...

 

Three of mine constantly sleep in the nestbox and don't seem to come to any harm, so I have never moved them. They even manage not to damage any eggs produce overnight!

 

Well done you for taking in ex-batts and don't forget to keep us posted re names .