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

[newcountrygirl]

I've just received my new Chickbox which I have placed underneath the platform where the "Go" sits. I've covered over the nest bit in the "Go". How do i pursuade my chickens to use it? I've just watched Gladys go into the "go" and lay her egg on the board covering the nest. She did explore the Chickbox but then legged it into the "Go" and laid.

[Redwing]

I take it a chick box is a nesting box? is it one of those plastic ones? they are very airy and designed to be used within a coop - hens like to lay in a dark safe place so you'd probably need to make it more inviting to a hen by covering its with something dark and partially covering the front of it with a curtain of material/sacking that covers at least half of the front

 

If they really dont get to grips with it you could place it inside a cardboard box with a pophole cut in to it until they get used to it

 

Also you could try shutting the Go during the day

[newcountrygirl]

The reason i have got it is so that if i go away for a couple of days they cant get at the eggs and peck them. Good idea about making it a bit more shady - I will try that. Thanks

[WitchHazel]

Can you get hold of some dummy eggs? You can put these in the nest box area where you want them to lay, and atht would give them the idea. If you want to stop them laying in the Go completely, then you'll need to shut it during the day until after they have laid - forcing them to find an alternative place.

[newcountrygirl]

Thanks Witchazel I shut the Go this morning once they came out. I've just been out to have a look and Madge has laid an egg in the Chickbox. Hopefully the others will now get the hang of it.

[Egluntyne]

Have a squint at This thread.