Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[goldenkippers]

My two chickens arrived on Tuesday but they seem very reluctant to go into their Eglu at night. I put a camping lantern in there yesterday at dusk to no avail. I know at least one did go in some of the time, as there were droppings on the droppings tray. It's not too cold at the moment so probably doesn't matter that much. However yesterday one hen laid an egg in the run, and I'd rather they used the nestbox! Has anyone got any tips on how to get them to go inside the Eglu?

Thanks,

Sarah

[Roobaloo]

Pick them up, put them in, close the door!

 

Do that for a few nights...and they'll learn to take themselves to bed!

[Egluntyne]

Or you could encourage them in with a broom.

[annettec]

We used the very undignified broom method the first two nights and then the putting a torch in the house from then on and seemed to work a treat !

[Alis girls]

You mean sweep them off their feet

[chickyhazel]

Ours went in with the torch trick, but picking them up and putting them in is a good idea.

[Guest]

We used the broom method for our girls' first night too - worked a treat

[Luvachicken]

The first night I had my chickens only one went up the ladder to bed. It was Feb'09 so a bit snowy and cold so my sister suggested throwing them up the ladder like a budgie which was difficult as I only have the small door on my eglu. After much throwing (not) and wet knees from the snow we decided to use a long cane to guide them to the ladder - this didn't work either. Then why not put them in at the back so when they get up in the morning they have to come down the ladder. It worked.

I don't know why the OMLET people don't put them in the house first place and then open the door so they come down the ladder, then they might have a better idea of where to go at bedtime

[greyhoundgirl]

I just got my chicks today and at 9.30pm, and much climbing into the cube, i'm thinking that i have the thickest hens in the world. Thankfully I found this thread and 2 minutes later and a broom they are all tucked up for the night. Pheww! Thanks for the broom tip worked wonders!

[txswanie]

when I put the 2 girls in there I noticed that only one was going into the cube at dusk (Brigitte). The other one (Marion) was crouched down in the run. It would take her ages but eventually she would go in. I stayed around watching one evening and noticed that as Marion attempted to get into the cube Brigitte was sitting right at the door and would give her a big peck and frighten her back out again. Thats when I brought out the water pistol. I put Marion up at the door and squirted bully Brigitte as she lunged forward. A gentle push and Marion was in. We are now on the 6th night of doing this. I hope it wears off soon as I am not sure I am up to a full time job as a rooster. 2 new gingers arriving next week, probably have to go through the whole thing again.

good luck with your girls.

 

Brigitte - Cuckoo Maran

Marion - Silver Wyandotte

 

Stan, Lex, Luc - rescue Beagles

Cisco - rescue Chihuahua

 

Monty - rescue rabbit

Bobby - rescue GP.