The Moment I’ve Been Waiting For! First Egg!!!

[BlueDawnRising]

I’m so excited! She didn’t lay it in the nesting box but I suppose that will come with time. Any tips/tricks to make that happen would be appreciated but really I just wanted to celebrate a bit!

 

[Sammster]

WOOT!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Congrats! If you don't already have fake eggs in the nests adding one to each box will help show her that the nest boxes are a safe spot to lay in.

 

[Sally PB]

Congratulations to you and your girl! First eggs are magical!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Congrats! If you don't already have fake eggs in the nests adding one to each box will help show her that the nest boxes are a safe spot to lay in.

I do have fake eggs in there. They haven’t shown interest in even exploring the nest boxes that I have observed. We did put them in there a couple of times but they just walked back out.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I do have fake eggs in there. They haven’t shown interest in even exploring the nest boxes that I have observed. We did put them in there a couple of times but they just walked back out.

Can you post a pic of your nest box setup?

I found that they like it dark and cozy, with a fake egg, and one of those straw nesting pads with the paper backing. Pullets love those things. Mine completely trashed them before they started to lay, but it at least got them exploring the nest area.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Can you post a pic of your nest box setup?

I found that they like it dark and cozy, with a fake egg, and one of those straw nesting pads with the paper backing. Pullets love those things. Mine completely trashed them before they started to lay, but it at least got them exploring the nest area.

I only have a picture during construction and left for an out of state conference right after finding this egg but I have a large Hen Gear roll out box that is mounted 31 inches off the ground (that was the recommendation of the company). I opened the “curtains” so they could see in and added several fake eggs. Recently, two of the magnets holding the curtains had fallen so only one was open when she actually laid the egg. I didn’t put any bedding, it comes with a mat that helps with roll out but could add some until they start laying there consistently. Do you think that might help?

This shows it in relation to the roosts/poop boards but this is an early picture. There is a ramp up to them now and the bar on the front of the nest box stays open. Food and water you see in this picture are no longer there but out in the run, which was still under construction when I took this picture, so the space under is open and quite light because it is opposite the door, which is open during the day.

 

[Mrs. K]

Firsts eggs are so fun! Taste amazing!

 

[thecatumbrella]

I only have a picture during construction and left for an out of state conference right after finding this egg but I have a large Hen Gear roll out box that is mounted 31 inches off the ground (that was the recommendation of the company). I opened the “curtains” so they could see in and added several fake eggs. Recently, two of the magnets holding the curtains had fallen so only one was open when she actually laid the egg. I didn’t put any bedding, it comes with a mat that helps with roll out but could add some until they start laying there consistently. Do you think that might help?View attachment 4121128View attachment 4121129
This shows it in relation to the roosts/poop boards but this is an early picture. There is a ramp up to them now and the bar on the front of the nest box stays open. Food and water you see in this picture are no longer there but out in the run, which was still under construction when I took this picture, so the space under is open and quite light because it is opposite the door, which is open during the day.

So you and I are in the same boat... I have the same nest box, but have yet gotten anyone to use it!

My plan is to start them out with the curtains pinned back and regular nest pads inside. Maybe even put some furniture in front of it so it's easier to jump inside. Once I get consistent laying, I'll switch to the plastic pads that let the egg roll out.

 

[KtheChickenGal]

I’m so excited! She didn’t lay it in the nesting box but I suppose that will come with time. Any tips/tricks to make that happen would be appreciated but really I just wanted to celebrate a bit! View attachment 4120949

YAYYY!!
You can put fake eggs or golf balls in you nesting boxes to encourage her to lay in there!